Author's memo: I love this site, but it's confusing as hell. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying this…thing. Tell me what you think. Suggestions would be nice.

Disclaimer: I own Twilight. No wait, that's a fridge. I own a fridge. Not Twilight.

Chapter 2

Blackout

Lauren dropped me off first, even though she would have to double back to drop Jessica off. The second I shut I got out and shut the car door, Lauren sped down the road. I thought of what could have happened to scare the girls this much. None of them would look me in the eye or spoke more than three words to me. I padded to the door, feeling exhausted from the long and quiet car ride home. Before I could grab the knob, Charlie wrenched the door open. He pulled me into a hug. He let me go and pat my back before walking back into the living room. I shrugged off his weird behavior. I called out a good night, and climbed up the stairs and into my room. I gently placed the memory card on my desk, reminding myself to watch the footage later. I changed into my pajamas and crawled into bed.

The trees towered over me. The branches weaved together, the leaves blocking any light from filtering through. I stared up at the canopy, trying to see past thousands of leaves. I gave up and got on my feet. I glanced around, noticing I was alone. I didn't recognize this part of the woods. I was about to start walking in a random direction when Edward burst through the trees. He appeared concerned, no, scared. His hair was wind whipped, curling this way and that. He stared at me like a blind man seeing the sun for the first time. He reached out to me, taking a small step towards me. Only to be stopped by a wall of black fire.

The fire didn't radiate heat. Instead it felt cold, like the wind before it started snowing. I could see Edward's silhouette on the other side of the flames. I could see him standing there, not moving to get around the wall. I could vaguely see him turn around and run away. He left me alone to face the flames. The hole grew a little bigger at his recent betrayal. Knowing how he abandoned me to save himself from the cold flames hurt like a son of a hitch. I fell to knees, holding my torso tightly. The flames slowly crept closer, brushing my arms and legs in soft, gentle strokes. The blaze didn't hurt at all. It just left a tingly feeling. The ache in my chest slowly drained away, as if the fire had burned it away. I licked my lips and lifted my hand. I hesitated for a second before caressing a flame. It vibrated under my fingers and wrapped around my hand. Long tendrils of shadows crawled across my legs and waist. They rubbed soft circles on my skin. One of the wisps brushed my face, offering comfort.

I shot up in bed at the blaring of the alarm clock. Anger boiled under my skin. I was having a good dream, and it was ripped away by my unforgiving reality by my damn alarm clock. I noticed the open window. I ripped the still blaring clock and chucked it out of the window. A moment passed before I heard the startled cry of pain. I heard some guy crying about his face before I slammed my window shut. I disgusted myself. He is never coming back! Why do I need to sleep with my window open? The answer is I don't! I promised myself that my window would stay closed, unless it's an emergency.

"Hey, Bells! Some guy was just hit in the head with an alarm clock!" Charlie called. "He said it came out of nowhere. I am taking him to the hospital for a checkup. I'll be back in an hour or so." I heard the door open and shut. The sound was followed soon after by a car starting and driving off in the direction of Forks' Hospital.

I pictured a man out for a morning jog and getting ambushed by a flying alarm clock. The giggle in chest turned into a full blown laughter. Oh, that image is just too funny. I sank down to the floor, holding my aching stomach. I smacked the floor boards a few times, trying to gain control of my shits-and-giggles fest. That's how Jake found me. Slapping the floor, laughing uncontrollably, and slipping words like flying clocks and morning joggers in between the cackles. The confusion on his face only made me laugh harder. He eventually joined in my laughter with his own chuckles. We both stopped after a minute or two (or more) of side-aching, tummy grabbing, tears-streaming-down-your-face, laughter.

"So what happened, exactly?" Jacob asked.

"I was awakened by my alarm clock, so I threw it out my open window." I giggled, "Unfortunately, it crashed into some poor morning jogger's face."

Jacob bellowed out a laugh. "That is some funny shit right there. I can picture the guy's face after he was clocked, pun intended, in the face. Oh, that's priceless!"

"So what brings you here at oh shit o' clock?"

"I came to ask you if you wanted to hang out with the pack and Emily."

"That sounds fun."

Jacob started to fidget. "And Jared wants you to make cookie bars. The ones you served at the cook-out last month. He said he would give anything for a whole tray of them."

Is that why he invited me? For my culinary skills? If I couldn't cook worth shit, would he spend time with me? "Sure. I'll just grab a few things and we can go." I don't want you to leave.

/*\./*\

Emily and I worked in harmony in her kitchen. I mixed the batter for my cookie bars while Emily cooked a feast of chicken and pasta. She had baked a variety of muffins earlier, and the boys were going through them like they hadn't eaten in a month. I poured the batter into a pan then popped it in the oven. I set the timer, and moved to kill up the batter mess.

"Who wants the bowl?" I called out.

Jared shot out of the chair like a bullet. He snatched the bowl out of my hands and started licking the spatula clean, scraping clumps of batter from the walls of the bowl. I rolled my eyes as I walked back to the kitchen. These boys are so immature. Emily smiled at me and went to deliver the food to the awaiting shape-shifters. They pounced once the food touched the table. Emily joined in the cleanup. She started washing dishes while I dried. Irritation turned into rage as the boys sat at the table, swarming the food that Emily and I worked hard to bake. The least they could do is say thank you or help with the cleanup. I wiped down each dish thoroughly before setting it down.

I could feel the rage was reaching its breaking point. My mind registered the presence of one of the boys. I turned and saw Jared staring at the oven. The smell of baking cookies permeated the air. The timer beeped, so I put down the plate I was drying and grabbed the oven mit. I opened the oven and removed the cookie bars. I placed it on the stove and set the timer for two minutes, giving them time to cool.

"So when will they be ready?"

I snapped. "When hell freezes over!"

"What's your problem?" Jared asked. "Why are you being a bitch?"

"Why are you so fucking annoying?"

The room grew quiet. Emily patted my back. "Is everything okay, Bella?"

My wrath directed itself at Emily. "Shut up, you worthless cunt!"

"Bella!" Sam barked, "Apologize to Emily, right now!"

"Or what, Sammy? You gonna work Alpha mojo on me?" I taunted.

Jacob stood up. "What is with you, Bella?"

"Mind your own damn business, Black!" I stomped out the door and climbed into my truck. I could hear Emily telling the boys to give me space. She said something about my menstrual cycle. I hated that she gave them the excuse of periods. Really? Didn't occur to them that they need to back the fuck off! So what if there is a vampire in the area. I took care of myself for a good fifteen years before I came to Forks. I don't need a babysitter. I turned the key and drove back home. I just wanted to be alone, with nothing but the shadows for company. At least they won't leave if I fucked up. I chuckled at myself. Friends with a bunch of shadows. Well, I've kept stranger company.

I pulled into my driveway and turned my unnecessarily loud truck. I hopped out of the cab. I grabbed my bag and slammed the door. I breezed through the door and locked it behind me. I heard sports channel in the living room, so that meant Charlie is here. Just what I need. At least he doesn't hover, unlike my hare-brained mother. I clipped a hello and crawled up the stairs and into my room. I shut the door and jumped on the bed. The memory card popped up in my mind, but was chased away by lethargy. I rolled over and gave into the awaiting darkness.

I didn't recognize this place. There were black leather couches with numerous silk-lined pillows covering the seats. Swaths of black silk hung from the ceiling, covering the blood-colored walls. Under my feet was a fluffy, black rug that tickled the soles of my feet. Looking down at myself, I noted the rather revealing dress I wore. Slits that started at the mid chest curled at the side my breast and trailed down all the way to the floor. Thin black ribbon crisscrossed from chest to the top of my hip. I touched my neck and felt smooth velvet under my fingertips. I turned my head and saw the cape that fell down my back and brushed the floor.

When I turned back to the couches, I saw a group of three men lounging on the overstuffed cushions. All three men sported a tailored suit. The first one reminded me of Emmett. Instead of black hair and gold eyes, he had bright, pin-straight red locks that fell to his ear paired with glowing orange eyes. He had his suit jacket draped over the couch armrest with five buttons of his white dress-shirt undone. The man in the middle was just as tall, but leaner and subdued. He sat with his legs crossed and his suit jacket buttoned. His bright red eyes put emphasis on his pure white hair. His braided hair snaked over his shoulder and down to his lap. If he stood up, his hair would brush his knees. He had an air of refinement and prestige. The third man had the darkest shade of black I have ever seen. His hair slinked halfway down his back. His suit jacket was hanging open, highlighting his unbuttoned dark purple shirt. His legs were spread and his arms stretched on the sofa's back. All three of them studied me with emotions varying from fascination to calculating to intrigue.

"Hello."

The big guy smiled at me. "Hi there!"

"How do you do?" Said mister high-and-mighty.

The last man lifted his hand in a small wave.

I looked around, noting there was no door. "Where am I? Who are you?"

Mister high-and-mighty spoke first. "You are in a pocket of space between your home and our realm. As for your second question, I am Z." He gestured to the big man. "This is Cerberus. And the degenerate is Drake."

Cerberus shot me a wide grin. "What's up, Bella?"

"The sky." I responded.

He let loose an infectious laugh. "I like you, Bella. And I don't say that to many humans."

"Um… Thanks. I think."

Z glared at Cerberus. "Don't mind him, dear. I do believe he has taken too many hits to the head. Why don't you take a seat?" It wasn't a request. I sat in the chair across from Z.

"Why am I here?"

"We want to offer you our loyalty."

I have endured too much pain in the recent past. I wouldn't give them my trust so easily. "Why would you want to associate with me?"

Z tilted his head to the side. "For many reasons. You seem to be a very special human. Mostly, though, it's because you have something we want."

Of course. "And what would that be, Z?"

"You have quite a gift, Bella. Your mind is protected by a shield, blocking any and all mental attacks. This would come in handy in many a battle, if you would allow us access."

"How would that work?" I asked.

"You allow us inside your head, permit us access to your body, and we can use your shield to protect my people. You will be reimbursed you for your cooperation."

Now I was intrigued. "How so?"

"I have felt your pain, little one." Z spoke softly, as if soothing me. "One who is so young and delicate should never suffer through the anguish of betrayal. For your cooperation, we will gladly take some of your pain away. We cannot take it all, but we will make it bearable. So what do you say, young one? Do we have an agreement? You can change the terms or back out at any time." He held out his hand.

I thought of the pain I have suffered throughout the months. Any chance to ease the excruciating amount of misery would be welcome with open arms. But… "Would you suffer?"

Z's eyes widened in surprise at my inquiry. Cerberus and Drake's eyes showed disbelief and curiosity. "No. We will not suffer."

I reached out, hesitating for only a second before sliding my small hand into his much larger one. He gave my hand a gentle squeeze and pat before placing my hand on my lap.

"Will you be the only three in my head?"

Z pondered this for a moment. "Your pain will attract many others. I cannot safe guard you from those who are determined, but I can promise your safety. Unless someone more powerful than I overthrows me, you have nothing to worry about. This I vow." With that said, Z and Cerberus (who grinned at me) vanished. Drake stood up and glided towards me. He kneeled before me and pinned me to the seat with his intense yellow eyes.

"You and I are going to grow real close, my dear Bella." He lifted his hand to stroke the delicate skin of my neck. "I look forward to spending time in you." He winked at me before disappearing into thin air.

Something told me to be wary of my new acquaintances. Especially Drake.

I didn't get a chance to review the memory card, yet. I have been distracted. I keep having the same dream. Shadows' enveloping me and a voice muttering promises of reprieve from my pain. Surprisingly, the pain has gradually lessened since I started having these dreams. The only drawback was the suspicions about… him that weaved themselves into my dreams. Were all those promises of love a lie? Did I mean anything to him? Was I only a distraction? Did Carlisle and Esme, the parents I always wished for, really see me as a human pet? A pet they could abandon at a park when it lost its novelty?

Did he even think of me? Does he regret our time together? Was he with another woman right now? Was she a human like me, or a devastatingly beautiful vampire like him? Did he promise her forever? The more I thought of him, the angrier I became. How dare that… self-righteous jerk leave me! How dare he treat me like garbage! His family is no better. They let me believe they loved me and would do anything for me. They left me behind, without a word. They dropped me like a rattler. Well screw them! I don't need traitors in my life. I had enough already. Those jerks brought nothing but trouble.

The anger made me restless, so I grabbed an empty back pack. I shoved a compass, my phone, and a few water bottles in the pouch. I dashed downstairs and wrote a note to Charlie that I was out hiking. I was tempted to call Jacob, but something told me to go alone. I stalked out the door, locked it, and slipped into the forest. The anger commanded my footsteps. The fear of tripping and falling passed through my mind, but vanished as quickly as it came. I slipped in between the trees. My ire kept me going for seconds, minutes, hours. After a bit of time passed, I slowed down. I was breathing heavily, only to stop as I brushed past a curtain of ferns. I am standing in our… his meadow. The hole contracted in pain. I bent over gulping in air. After a few moments of panting, I sat up. The pain turned into curiosity as I spotted another person across the meadow. His face tickled my memory.

"Bella, is that you?"

I remember now! "Laurent?"

"I must say I surprised to see you here." He stated.

"I could say the same thing." I do live here, after all. "What are doing here? I thought you were in Alaska." Or so he said.

"I am here at the request of a friend. Scouting the area." He walked a little closer to me. "I have noticed the Cullens' are gone."

A red flag went up in my mind. "Yes. They are visiting a friend."

Now he was circling me. "And they left you here, alone? Aren't you their pet?"

The red flag was waving wildly. "I guess I am. They didn't want me joining them. They didn't share their… um…. diet."

The fact that has gotten a bit closer did not go unnoticed. "Really? Because it smells like they've been gone for a while."

More red flags popped up. "It is taking them quite a while, but it's a very delicate matter. They call in every few days."

He is now within ten feet. "You know, Victoria has asked about you."

Warning bells joined the thrashing flags. "Oh?"

"Yes. She is still rather upset that Edward killed her mate." Oh shit! Oh shit! Oh shit! "She is so dead set on revenge."

"What a pity. I hear revenge leaves an empty feeling." I could a pressure building inside my head, pressing against my skull.

"That may be, but she will not rest until you're dead."

Oh fuck me! "Why me? I'm not the one who killed James."

"She wants Edward to suffer. An eye for an eye, or mate for a mate in this case."

He heaved a sigh. "She won't be happy with me."

The pressure was starting hurt. "Why?"

"She is so determined to kill you. But I cannot resist. You are just so… mouthwatering."

Blackness crept into my vision. I felt my grasp on reality slipping. Maybe it was a good thing. I didn't want to feel his fangs draining the lifeblood out of me. I could faintly hear his promise of a quick and painless death. Then I embraced the darkness.

(Jacob pov)

I sniffed at the air, detecting the scents of various plant and wildlife. The scent of deer was especially distinct. The urge to hunt arose, but was forced down when Sam's voice commanded me to focus. Reminding me that we were out here, in the woods, for a reason. A vampire is in our territory. The mission: search and destroy. Not hunt.

Come on, Jake. Embry teased. Vampires are much more fun than deer!

Yeah! Quill added. The real fun is in the kill, though.

I agree.

Focus! Sam shouted. Paul said he scented a vampire in this area.

Sure did.

Embry went still. He could smell him. I found the trail!

Alright, Embry. Start following the trail. We will meet up with you.

Got'cha! Embry started tracing the path. We all started running to his location. I am the first one to reach Embry. I can hear the others coming closer. The scent gets stronger as we near our prey. The anticipation of the kill coursed the veins.

Hey! Jared perked his ears. Does anyone else hear that?

Quil nodded. The voice sounds familiar.

Bella! What is she doing out hear?!

Calm down, Jake. I bet she is far from the vampire.

Nope. It sounds like he is talking to Bella. Paul noted.

Oh no! Quill spat. Not Bella! He has to get through me if wants Bella!

Ditto!

Same here!

I love her cookie bars.

Hold on, Bella! We're coming! Just don't die!

Ya know, Jake. Paul started. Even if you saved her, she still won't fall into bed with you.

Shut up, Paul! I don't want her for that… crap!

Denial is not just a river in Egypt. Embry snickered.

As we neared our prey, we heard the sound of fighting. The image of Bella fighting for her life and losing popped into my mind and everyone ran a little faster. Sam jumped into the clearing first, followed by me, Embry, Quill, Paul, and Jared. We were all frozen in place. Lot of scenarios went through my head, but this isn't one of them. Bella stood a few short feet from a raging black fire, her mad laughter bouncing of the trees. Her laugh sent shivers racing down our spines. It was an odd combination of a hyena's chortles with a mad man's giggles.

Bella's laughter abruptly stopped. She stood there, staring into the flames. After a moment of chilling silence, she slowly bent backwards. Her arms twisted at an odd angle as she stared at us. Her eyes were not their usual chocolate brown. Instead, they glowed an unnatural shade of yellow. I could see a red ring surrounding the iris with small flecks of yellow spiking out of the pupil. They would have been beautiful if it weren't for the evil intent shining in them. Bella suddenly smiled. Where Bella's smile was heartwarming and sincere, this one was much too wide and malevolent. Bella started twisting her torso and head. The grin never left her face as her body bent at an odd angle so she could look at us right-side up.

"What's wrong, dog?" She mocked in a sickeningly sweet voice, "Cat got your tongue?"

That's not Bella. Sam growled. Aim for the head. Knock her out!

She just killed a vampire by herself. Jared stated. Is anyone else a little hesitant to approach and attack Bella… or whoever is inside Bella?

Really? What gave you that idea, Genius? Paul mocked.

Bella jumped on Quill's back. "Catch me if you can, mutts!" Then she took off into the forest. I raced after her. The others were hot on my heels.

Jake, keep chasing her. Sam ordered. We will spread out and cut her off.

At his command, the boys fanned out. I could see the spot where Sam and the others were waiting. I started herding Bella towards the pack. As we neared the trap, she veered left. Paul swore and chased after her. Sam and Quill raced ahead of them, waiting to pounce on Bella. Jared joined Paul in herding Bella towards Sam's waiting form. Just as they got ready to attack, she did a 180 and sprinted to me. I acted on my instincts and jumped. Sure enough, Bella crashed into my body. I fell back to the earth, pinning Bella underneath me. The only movement she made was for breathing. The others trotted up to me.

Good job, Jacob.

What the hell was that?

I have never seen anything like this.

We should tell the elders.

There is no way that was Bella! She is much too sweet.

Am I the only one who is scared to go anywhere near her?

Silence!

Everyone quieted their thoughts. I agree that we should tell the elders about Bella. Jacob, I want you to take Bella home and patrol the house. Keep her inside the house and do not approach unless it's inevitable. Quill. Embry. Go with Jacob and help him keep an eye on Bella. If anything happens, one of you will report back. Move out.

Sam, Jared, and Paul ran off towards the village. I gently picked Bella up with my jaws and padded in the direction of Bella's house. Embry and Quill flanked me, thinking of what could be wrong with Bella. Thoughts of a doppelganger came up. Along with a shape-shifter, a vampire, and a ghost. They all seemed ridiculous. We got to the edge of the woods by Bella's house. I gently placed Bella on the ground and shifted back to my human form. I told my friends I'd be quick. They nodded, and I picked Bella up in a bridle hold. I carried her to the front door and grabbed the spare key one door frame. I unlocked the door and carried Bella through the threshold. I shut the door and climbed the stairs, stalking into Bella's room. I set her on her bed after taking off her jacket and boots. I turned to leave, but stopped when I saw a memory card. Bella owned a camera, but this card was too big. I grabbed it and dropped it in my pocket. I opened her window and, with one last look at her, fell to the ground.

I jogged into the woods and shifted back into my wolf form after taking my pants off. I joined Embry and Quill. I knew I would endure hours of relentless teasing. Other than watching Bella's house, and waiting for word from Sam, we had nothing to do but think of different theories about what happened with Bella.

Hours passed, and the sun finally set. We have yet to receive word from Sam.

What is taking so long? Quill huffed.

Patience, young padawan. Embry smirked.

Quiet! I barked Did any of you hear that noise?

We waited in silence. Not a minute later, eight vampires emerged from the trees. Eight, very, familiar vampires. The same vampires that left Bella alone in the woods.

I growled. Cullens!

The Cullens have returned! We shall see how they are received by the Quileute tribe and Bella. Hope you liked this chapter. Suggestions on the next chapter would be appreciated. Just to give me some ideas. For those who have complimented this work-in-progress, thank you for your words of encouragement.

Until next time…

-SPN :3