J

It's getting harder to breath, vision's getting blurry, and Sam's strong hands around my neck won't give. I can feel my body wanting to change, that primal rage that triggers the transformation is rising to the surface. I have to keep hold of my self, if I let loose Sam will too. With one last push of strength I kick my legs out, catching Sam full in the chest and sending him sprawling backward. We both fall to the floor with a thundering smash, Sam roaring and me coughing.

He charges at me again, I manage to turn myself around enough to let him pass and grab onto his waist. Pulling us both around I pull him over my body and slam him to the ground. Sam howls as I scramble to my feet and back away. I spread my hands apart, hopefully as a sign of surrender as Sam stands again and stares me down.

"Sam calm down. It's Jacob, Sam. Come on, calm down, you can't do this here."

He looks at me, rage full on his face, I brace my self for whatever he could throw at me. But he doesn't move, his breathing is deep and the slight growl in his voice starts to fade. His hands drop to his sides and he slumps to the floor. I wait on the other side of the room, eventually his breathing calms and he starts looking out the window again. Relieved that the worst is over I walk over to where Sam is and sit next to him.

I don't say anything I just sit next to him and watch the night sky. I wonder what Bella would think about this? Two werewolves fighting about a vampire probably wouldn't be the best way to frame that conversation. I should try and find out where she lives, at least get her number, the next time I see her. I'll have to go back to the diner later this week.

Sam turns from the night sky, his face stern. I know that face, it means he's holding his emotions in check.

He looks me in the eyes, his voice just above a whisper, "He killed Emily."

B

I'm in my apartment, the city is dark out side my windows and I have the sudden feeling that I am not alone. I feel a chill roll up my spine and I turn to find Edward standing in my bedroom. He raises one hand and holds it out to me. I hesitate for a moment but slowly step forward.

"Sing for me." He asks, his voice enticing but still powerful. Before I know what I'm doing, his song escapes my lips. I sing my heart out for him, every emotion hidden behind the lyrics are second nature to me and I feel as though I have experienced the story of his song. He smiles all the while, pure bliss on his face.

I cross the threshold between my room and the living room, he takes a step also. He matches my steps as we get closer and closer, his hand still reaching out to me. I lift my hand and put it in his; he gently closes his hand around mine and pulls me close.

He's cold, I start to shiver. He pulls the comforter off of my bed and wraps me in it. Pulling me close again he holds me tight, I lay my head on his chest and we stand there just enjoying being close. What am I doing dreaming about my boss? The thoughts whip through my head, but I don't care. I can analyze it when I wake up, for now I'll just enjoy. Being wrapped in his arms, his cool chest on my cheek, I feel protected and treasured.

E

My forehead gently resting against hers opens a link between us, I am unable to hear her thoughts, but with direct contact I can access her mind. I chose her apartment because it was familiar, someplace she would feel safe. I had worried that she would remember me, but nothing from her behavior tonight hinted that she recognized me.

Another fake meeting, a stolen moment of bliss, will she ever truly allow this? Even as I lay in her bed, watching her dream, her body wrapped tightly in the blankets, I wonder if this is as close as I will ever get to her. Our relationship reduced to stolen intimate moments and never truly experiencing them without a mask. Can I really expect her to accept the monster I am and choose to stay with me?

The thought does nothing to deter my hope; I will do whatever it takes to keep her in my world.

I break our link and whisper gently into her ear.

B

I feel his hand on my chin, tilting my head up to look at him. His topaz eyes locked with mine. I can't read his expression, but he looks almost sad. His hand softly strokes my cheek, his cool touch giving me chills. I work one hand out of my cocoon and lay it on his. We stop there, hand on hand, eye to eye. A breath passes and we slowly lean toward each other. I feel his chill gently settle on my lips and I work my other arm free from my wrappings. I bring them up to embrace him but he is gone.

I scan the dreamscape for him but there is nothing. I hear a voice in the distance; it's faint, just above a whisper.

"I may leave, but you are never abandoned. Sweet dreams my love."

J

I hadn't expected this, I had heard that Emily was dead, but no one ever said what it was exactly. I don't know how to process this, Emily was the love of Sam's life. What could I say to him?

"I'm…I'm sorry Sam." That's the best I can do.

"It was about three years ago as you know, we picked up the vampire's trail one night. Not knowing exactly what we were dealing with we split up and tried to get him from all sides."

He clenches his fists, knuckles blazing white, "It was such a stupid move, we cornered him but he had just fed, so he was extremely strong. Emily went in first but he…he was just so fast. I barely saw what happened until he threw her at me."

I watch my friend relive that night, holding back the sobs, "She was bloodied and broken, barely breathing. She…she couldn't heal fast enough and died there."

He buries his face in his hands, "I called off Leah and Seth right there. We didn't speak to it, but somehow we understood that we'd stay out of each other's way."

"How so?" I ask.

He clears his throat, "We stay away from each other, he doesn't kill anyone and we won't kill him."

"But he does kill." I point out, trying to understand.

"No, he's never killed anyone that wasn't already dieing." Sam replies.

So close to him, I was right there and lost him. Bella! What could have happened? I'm such an idiot! He was there and so was she, but I was there too. Maybe he stayed clear because he smelled me. I have to go back as soon as possible, "Do you know who he is Sam?"

He sighs heavily, exasperated, "I don't know, we never talked. But I'll never forget his face."

I let Sam paint a picture in my mind: brown hair and eyes, strong facial features, and pale white skin.