The doors swung open, and Jacob recognized the large courtroom he'd first been led to on his arrival.

But this time, on the large throne, sat Breanna.

The crowds of elegantly dressed vampires had done nothing if not increased in their numbers.

"Jacob," Breanna smiled, shattering her originally dagger-like gaze.

He just watched her warily.

The smile slipped from her face when her eyes flickered over Cate, who had not yet woken.

"You brought the child," She said tonelessly.

"Yes."

Breanna's eyes flashed- but not at him. She turned her face to the hooded messenger, who cowered beneath his cloak.

"Mmm."

"I wouldn't come without her," Jacob said in the man's defense, but Breanna's gaze didn't slacken.

There was silence, and everyone in the room felt the dread radiating from the messenger.

"Why don't you go have a talk with Artipane?" Breanna smiled. "Oh, wait, he's dead."

"Who's Artipane?" Jacob wondered under his breath, glancing back at the hooded vampire.

"A gifted vampire," Breanna answered him, "He was very useful until his…mistake."

"Huh?"

"He was, ah, pursuaded by a blonde Cullen to let them inside our premisis. It was unacceptable, but then so very wasteful to kill him."

Jacob's foot scuffed the ground, and he looked up, startled. "You killed him?"

"He was a traitor," Breana waved her hand boredly, before her face hardened, her eyes growing to that dangerous piercing. "And I think we have all found I do not tolerate betrayal."

"You're nuts," Jacob muttered, his head slightly lowered.

"I'm definitely crazy," Breanna admitted, her blood red eyes gleaming, "But only for you."

Jacob flushed, feeling the eyes of so many vampires, he shook his head.

"And now," She said softly, "It's time for you to join me."

His head snapped up, and he took three huge steps backwards. "Oh, there's no way," He warned, "The deal's off- you killed Ashareth, remember? Your stupid prophecy is broken!"

"You are still meant for the throne. Perhaps we misread that part of your future." Breanna said dubiously.

"I think you misread a LOT." Jacob snapped. "I'm not 'meant' for anything. I want to go home."

"That's not an option," She said coldly.

"Sure," He laughed bitterly, "Of course not."

She glared at him.

"I'm going to die," Jacob informed her, "If I stay here."

"You're overexaggerating," Breanna declared.

He shook his head, "Maybe it won't happen immediately. But eventually, you're going to get bored with me, Breanna. And you're going to kill me the same way you killed Ashareth."

"Never," Breanna breathed, "There was never love between Ashareth and I."

"There's no love between YOU and I."

"There is." She said softly.

"See, you're mistaken again. I'm in love with someone else," Jacob blurted angrily.

Breanna's gaze rose slowly, meeting his eyes. "What?"

Jacob hesitated, "You heard me."

He felt cheesy, like he'd stolen the line from the countless movies he'd seen. But it really did work perfectly in this situation…

"Who?" Breanna demanded coolly.

He kept his mouth shut stubbornly.

"WHO?" She screamed, flying at him. Within seconds, she was an inch from him, eyes wild.

He glared at her, and Cate woke with the noise, staring up at Breanna in a disoriented terror.

"WHO?" Breanna screamed, and several vampires stepped forward, ready to force his answer.

He glanced at them speculatively, down at his daughter, and back again. He growled.

Two more stepped up.

Cate leaned against him, a reminder.

"Sara," He sighed.

Breanna didn't comprehend. "The servant girl?" She asked, her perfect features dubious.

Jacob shrugged.

"She's human."

"So am I- well sort of."

Breanna glared at him. "You're lying."

"What? I'm half wolf…"

"About the girl."

Jacob blinked. "If you say so."

Breanna's disbelief melted into a dark expression.

"Get the girl."

Two vampires disappeared.

Jacob stared after them. "What are you going to do?"

Breanna smiled bitterly. "I did say I respond to betrayal by death."

Jacob smiled hopefully, forgetting the burden in his arms when he said, "You're going to kill me?"

"No, no, Jacob Black. I'm far too selfish to kill you off."

He didn't understand. He stared at her blankly.

She noted his expression, and smiled.

"I'm going to kill your lover."