Chapter 4

The next day at school, Josh was pouting as he sat with Zach in the cafeteria. Zach tried to cheer him up by giving him some cookies, but Josh just pushed them away.

"Aw come on, J, Courtney wasn't even mad when I told her we might not be able to make it."

"But we should be able to go. It isn't fair that we can't do things that normal people get to."

"Well, we also get to do things that normal people never will," reminded Zach and Josh frowned at him.

"Whose side are you on?"

"Yours, of course, but I don't think our parents are trying to make your life miserable. You heard what they said when we were upstairs. They will think about it. At least that is something."

"Whatever you say," grumbled Josh before taking a big bite out of the sandwich Rosalie made for Zach's lunch.

"Hey, think of it this way. It just makes us look even cooler."

"How do you figure that?"

"Because unlike the rest of the guys that were invited, we aren't acting like we are anxiously awaiting Friday so we can go to the party. Maybe we are there, maybe we aren't, it kind of goes along with our new rep."

"Oh yea and what rep is that?" Zach smiled slyly at him.

"We're rebels. We don't need the whole high school scene, so maybe we will show up on Friday night or maybe we have better things to do. Look, if our parents say we can go, then we will, but if they say no, we will make our own fun just like we always have. I am sure Garrett wouldn't mind some company if we wanted to go have some fun in Alaska," assured Zach and Josh perked up.

"Yea, I guess that is true."

"So look at it this way, J. This Friday, either we will be at a party full of teenagers or in Alaska making avalanches," informed Zach and Josh suddenly frowned.

"When you say it like that, I kind of hope they stick with no," confessed Josh, which made Zach let out a booming laugh, but he immediately stopped when he sensed Jeremy coming closer to them. Zach groaned.

"This kid is starting to really get on my nerves. Why doesn't he give it a rest," grumbled Zach and Josh shook his head as Jeremy sat down at their table.

"We aren't in the mood, Jeremy. Go find someone to pick on that actually cares about what you have to say," warned Josh, but Jeremy put his hands up in surrender.

"I'm not here to piss you off, promise. Actually, I need a favor," revealed Jeremy and Josh almost choked on his sandwich.

"Um, we aren't exactly on favor giving kind of terms, Jeremy," said Josh.

"Just hear me out, alright? Are you going to Courtney's party on Friday?" Zach shrugged nonchalantly.

"We haven't decided either way, trying to keep our options open," said Zach.

"It is the biggest party of the year," reminded Jeremy and Zach smirked.

"Pretty sure the school year just started," reminded Zach.

"Whatever, all I know is that everyone is talking about it. Her parents aren't even going to be there. They are going to Port Angeles to visit her grandparents. I am telling you this party is going to be huge…..which is why I need to make sure I am invited." Josh smiled smugly.

"Well, well, well, the big bad Jeremy Greer isn't even invited to Courtney's party, oh I see where this conversation is going," laughed Josh.

"Alright, alright, laugh it up, but just put in a good word for me, okay? She is sort of pissed because of how I came at you yesterday and she said I am not welcomed at her party."

"What's in it for us," asked Zach and Jeremy sighed.

"I will make sure that none of the guys bother you anymore about not being on the team, no more heckling, I promise." Zach tapped his chin as he pretended to think about it.

"I don't know, Jeremy. It seems you have been giving J a hard time for a while. Helping you just doesn't seem like something I want to do," said Zach and Josh nodded in agreement.

"Yea, not exactly at the top of my list either," said Josh.

"Fine, what else do you want," asked Jeremy and Josh crossed his arms.

"You tell your boys to lay off and tell Coach Taggert that you saw us play, we suck, and he should lay off too. I don't want to be asked about the football team. I don't want to be urged to join. I don't even want to know the box score of a game unless it somehow benefits me. Give it a rest, got it," questioned Josh.

"And you will put in a good word for me with Courtney?"

"We will think about it," said Josh.

"Oh come on, this party is really important to me. I really like Courtney and have for a while, but she doesn't believe me because I hooked up with Lisa last year," confessed Jeremy. Zach scrunched up his nose in confusion.

"Hooked up," he asked and Josh whispered in his ear.

"They had sex," whispered Josh. Zach's eyes bulged in utter shock and disgust.

"Dude, you are teenagers. Were you even in love," shrieked Zach and Josh covered his face in embarrassment as several students at the table across from theirs turned to look at them. Jeremy eyed Zach as if he had grown two heads and Josh nudged Zach, who cleared his throat.

"I mean, yea, cool, you hooked up, good for you," covered Zach as Josh laughed nervously.

"He was homeschooled remember and in Alaska of all places," added Josh and Jeremy smirked.

"Oh, right, damn dude I guess that means you are pretty old school, huh? You believe in no sex before marriage and all that wholesome stuff, don't you," asked Jeremy.

"Something like that," said Zach in a condescending tone.

"Well don't worry, it was cool. Lisa and I did our thing, but we aren't into each other anymore. Courtney isn't buying it though."

"She probably thinks you are a dog," warned Josh and Zach guffawed at Josh's use of the term. Once again, Jeremy looked at him as if he was strange and Zach waved him off.

"Sorry, inside joke, don't worry about it. Look, you need to woo her if you really have feelings for this girl," suggested Zach.

"Right, like that Casanova crap you pulled in class yesterday, the girls were melting all over you, even Mrs. Elliott."

"What can I say, I am an old soul," said Zach and Jeremy shrugged.

"Whatever you say man, so can you two hook me up with Courtney or what?"

"Um, no, but we will put in a good word for you, whether she believes us or not is up to her. You chill with the football tryouts and we will make sure she knows there are no hard feelings between us," assured Josh and Jeremy happily nodded as he stood up.

"You two are alright. I will tell the guys to lay off. See you at the party on Friday," called Jeremy as he turned to leave and Zach shook his head in disbelief.

"Do all teenagers behave like this? Yesterday, he wanted to kill me and now he is cool with us. Oh and since when is it okay to hook up with the friend of someone you like," questioned Zach. Josh simply pat him on the back with a smile.

"Welcome to high school, Z," chuckled Josh as he grabbed the bag of cookies that Esme made.

Zach was relieved when the school bell rang, signaling the end of yet another day at Forks High school. Josh nudged him as they closed their lockers and saw Courtney walking down the hallway with her friends. The group of girls was talking about the party and making plans for after school when Zach flashed them a dimpled grin that made them stop dead in their tracks.

"Afternoon ladies, mind if we speak with you for a moment," asked Zach and the girls were immediately at his side.

"Sure, what's up," asked Courtney and Zach nodded for Josh to speak up.

"Actually, we just wanted to let you know that if you are keeping Jeremy away from the party just for us, it isn't necessary," said Josh.

"Really, because he totally doesn't have to be there if it is going to be an issue. I figured that's why you don't want to come," said Courtney.

"We have worked through our issues and he apologized for being such a jerk yesterday. Besides, Z and I aren't the type to hold grudges. We don't want him to not be invited just because of us," assured Josh and Courtney sighed as she slowly nodded.

"Okay, if you say so. I know you said you aren't sure if you can come, but I really hope you can check it out," said Courtney and Josh winked at her.

"Me too, talk to you later, okay," said Josh before he and Zach headed for the exit. Zach glanced over at him, seeing the big grin plastered on his face.

"You are loving the power you have right now, aren't you," questioned Zach.

"It is our second day together at this school and we are already deciding who gets to go to parties. I am telling you, Z. We run this place," boasted Josh.

"The irony was not lost on me with that comment back there though."

"What comment?" Zach smirked.

"We don't hold grudges? Really, this coming from the guy that refuses to go to La Push on Saturday?"

"Let me clarify, I don't hold petty high school grudges. Attack my uncle and leave him wounded for days, well that's a completely different….." Before Josh could finish, a scent caught his nose and a low growl rumbled in his chest. Zach picked up the scent and scanned the parking lot as they walked outside.

"Which one of them is here," asked Josh as he started to look around as well. Zach frowned in confusion when he spotted where the scent was coming from. Sam was sitting on the hood of his truck, which happened to be parked right by Josh's.

"Didn't expect that. It is Sam," whispered Zach. The boys made their way over to Sam, who smiled warmly in greeting.

"Hey, sorry I didn't get to properly welcome you back yesterday, Zach. I hope your first couple of days at school went well. Why don't you boys come for a ride with me," suggested Sam, but Josh shook his head.

"My parents told me never to get into a car with strangers," said Josh as he crossed his arms.

"Mine too," added Zach. Sam laughed at their suspicious glares.

"I think we all know I am not a stranger. In fact, I go way back with your parents. I come in peace guys. If you don't believe me, then you can take your own truck. Just follow me, okay?" Zach and Josh glanced at each other, but nodded as Sam hopped off the hood of his truck.

"Where are we going," asked Josh as he pulled out the keys to his truck.

"Someplace with a whole lot of history for all of us, the treaty line," announced Sam and the boys looked at him with confusion evident in their eyes as he drove off.

They followed Sam outside of town and into the wooded area where civilization began to dissipate and they were immersed in nature. Josh parked his truck beside Sam's on one of the dirt roads that connected the towns to the forest. Sam gave them a reassuring smile as they hesitantly followed him on foot toward the invisible border that was constructed long before any of them were born.

"It is funny isn't it, how a line that you cannot even see can hold so much power. One step over it and you are officially on Quileute land. Much has changed since this line was first created, but years ago, a Cullen crossing it would be the start of a war. Now, it seems more like a technicality," informed Sam.

"Then why are we even here," asked Josh.

"Because you need to see this and understand how far we have come, the lines that were drawn, and the boundaries put into place all because our tribe believed they could not trust the Cullens. The two of you have no clue the sacrifices that were made on each side, the wars that almost broke out, and the tension that sometimes felt suffocating, especially when your Aunt Bella came to town, Zach. I can't even keep track of how many times the treaty was almost broken back then," said Sam with a small chuckle.

"Yea, she told me about how crazy things got. My Uncle Edward said he almost crossed it once to get her, but he realized that would have been a mistake," admitted Zach.

"Back then, it would have been, but things are different now. Your family and the pack have made amends and grown to understand each other more. I feel lucky to have been a part of that. There was a time when I hated all Cullens because I thought they made me what I was, but back then I was just an angry kid who didn't know any better. Caleb was the same way." Josh scoffed and threw his hands up in exasperation.

"Oh okay, I get it now. You brought us here to lecture me about embracing the pack," accused Josh.

"No, I brought you here to learn your history, to help you understand that this isn't just about you. It is about the sacrifices that so many people made so that you can have the choices that you both do. I have been a part of something special. Cullens come on our land now and pass this treaty line without even flinching and you know why?"

"Because people on both sides made that possible," answered Zach with a smile and Sam smiled as well.

"Right, this treaty line is just a part of history, for the most part. I don't want to see it used to divide the pack and Cullens again."

"That wouldn't happen," said Josh.

"Really, because I am not so sure anymore, Josh. I cannot be the alpha forever."

"So what, I am supposed to be forced into it," shouted Josh.

"No, you are supposed to embrace whoever decides to step into the role and respect the pack! I am not asking you to become alpha. I know you belong with your parents."

"Then what exactly are you asking me, Sam," challenged Josh and Sam looked him straight in the eyes to convey his seriousness.

"I am asking you to forgive and move on, just like so many wolves and Cullens had to in order for this line to simply be a symbol of the past. I am asking for you to forgive them, so that when I do step down again, I will never have to worry about taking over again. I am asking you to accept the pack and let them accept you."

"That goes both ways," argued Josh and Zach nodded in agreement.

"He is right. Drew might have invited us to the bonfire, but I didn't exactly see the others coming to welcome us," defended Zach.

"Daniel and Braden would have been there, but they didn't know he would see you in town," said Sam.

"And what about the others, funny how you don't mention the other four members of the pack," said Josh.

"That is a good question," called Rosalie as she and Emmett appeared from the brush. Zach grinned at his parents and ran over to join them while Kaya waited on Seth, Jacob, and Leah to get dressed in order to join them as well.

"Rosalie, Emmett, it is nice to see you again," greeted Sam with a bow of his head.

"We will see about that. Boys, go home and do your homework. We will talk when we get back," instructed Rosalie and the boys nodded obediently. Josh and Zach quickly got out of dodge as Leah, Jacob, Seth, and Kaya walked over to Sam.

"What game are you playing, Sam," asked Jacob as he eyed the alpha cautiously and Sam scoffed.

"Hey, calm down. I am not playing a game," assured Sam, but Emmett quirked an eyebrow at him.

"You meet our boys at school and don't let us in on the history lesson you are giving them here. Sounds like a game to me," said Emmett.

"I just wanted to talk to them. Drew told me things didn't exactly go well when he saw them yesterday."

"You could have done that at our house with us present," argued Leah.

"Okay, you have a point, but I wanted to talk to them as an alpha speaking with a wolf and Cullen, not as your old friend speaking with your sons. Their relationship with the pack is important. They need to understand that maintaining ties or at the very least being civil with the pack is crucial when it comes to the success of the treaty."

"Maybe your pack should have thought of that before they attacked me," warned Seth.

"Come on, Seth, that is on Caleb, not them. You know how it works or has your time with them made you forget where you come from," challenged Sam. Kaya had to hold Seth back as a low growl rumbled in his chest.

"Watch it, alpha," growled Seth and Sam put his hands up in surrender as he looked down.

"I am sorry. That was uncalled for," conceded Sam.

"What the hell is your problem," demanded Leah and Sam smirked.

"My problem is that I seem to be the only one that actually cares about the next generation of wolves and Cullens."

"What are you talking about," asked Jacob.

"You still don't get it, do you? The decisions that Josh, Zach, and the pack make affect all of us. We have all been through a lot together and I decided to take over the pack to make sure all the great things we have accomplished aren't undone by the next generation. There was a time when all of us were on the brink of war and I don't want to see that happen again because of unresolved issues. So yes, I asked Zach and Josh to follow me here in hopes of having them realize what this line actually meant to the generations before them." Rosalie slowly nodded.

"That's great. Really, Sam, I applaud your cause, but there is one problem. Zach is not the leader of our coven. Carlisle is, so if you have an issue or want to resolve a problem, by all means, call him. He works nights now on your reservation, so drop by the hospital if you want to talk, but do not ever think it is okay to accost my son," warned Rosalie.

"I understand and trust me, I know not to mess with your family or you for that matter. I have seen you in battle," assured Sam.

"Your method wasn't appreciated, but I am starting to understand your point. When Jake and I talked to Josh yesterday, we realized he has some serious issues with the pack," admitted Leah.

"Do you think it would help if I talked to him? I am the one that got attacked after all," suggested Seth, but Sam shook his head.

"No, it is more than that and there is tension on both sides. Josh is upset because they attacked you and Caleb did everything he could to overpower Josh. The newer members of the pack are still wary of Zach. They felt his power firsthand and don't like him being so close to La Push. That is why I think the bonfire is important. This isn't about us getting along. It is about the next generation being able to remain civil," explained Sam. Jacob, Leah, Emmett, and Rosalie all shared a look and Rosalie nodded.

"I will speak with Carlisle about it and the four of us will also have a talk with the boys. Maybe going to the bonfire would be a good idea for all of them," agreed Rosalie and Sam smiled gratefully.

"Thank you and I am sorry for not coming to all of you in the first place. I guess a part of me still looks at Josh like the future alpha and Zach as an influential member of the coven," admitted Sam.

"Josh is an alpha and Zach has a lot of influence over him and the rest of the Cullens, but they have made their choices and know who they are. If any of this is going to work, your pack is going to have to accept that and so are you," warned Leah.

"Point taken, now if you will excuse me. I have my own family to deal with," said Sam before jogging back to his truck and Seth groaned.

"Josh and Zach are not going to like this," warned Seth and Leah frowned in confusion.

"Like what," asked Leah.

"Oh come on, you really think that Josh is going to be okay with you suggesting that he go to a bonfire with a group of boys that he hates, but not allowing him to go to a party with the popular kids from school," questioned Seth and Leah groaned.

"He is going to have a fit," she whined and Rosalie smirked.

"That little pixie sure knows how to meddle," she grumbled to herself.

"What does Alice have to do with Josh freaking out," asked Jacob.

"Well, after she warned me that Sam was taking Zach and Josh out here, she also said that Courtney's party would be a great bargaining tool. I guess this is what she meant," explained Rosalie and Seth winked at Kaya as she stomped her foot.

"Told you they would get to go. You owe me a midnight skinny dip in the ocean," he teased.

"You two made a bet about the party? Why wasn't I included in this," shrieked Emmett and Seth rolled his eyes.

"Because our bets are far more intimate, no clothes allowed," informed Seth. Rosalie cringed.

"I don't even want to know what Kaya would have won," grumbled Rosalie and Kaya giggled as they all headed back to the Cullen House.

Zach stuffed his English homework back into his backpack as Josh finished answering the last question on his handout.

"This stuff is easy," said Zach and Josh winked at him.

"Yea I know. Now you see why I think school is just a waste of time. I learn way more when I am with you guys," chuckled Josh.

"I wonder what my mom said to Sam."

"I don't know, but Rose sure can be scary. I wonder if she made him cry." Alice poked her head into Zach's room.

"You two are being ridiculous. We go way back with Sam. Your parents are on their way back and will want to meet us downstairs," informed Alice. The boys hurried down the stairs just as their parents entered the house. Carlisle, Esme, and Jasper were waiting on everyone in the living room.

"Day two and another family meeting, should I be concerned," asked Carlisle and Rosalie winked at him.

"Maybe a little, it seems your grandson and Josh are not on the best terms with the pack," said Rosalie.

"That is nothing new. They hurt Seth," said Jasper.

"Yes, but now that we are all back in the same territory, we have to be careful that the tension does not come to a boiling point like it did in the past," informed Jacob and Carlisle nodded his understanding.

"I see, boys, please have a seat. We need to talk," announced Carlisle.

"Yes sir," they said in unison as they sat down on the couch.

"The two of you have had some serious run-ins with the wolves, so I understand why you are cautious around them. However, in order for our move here to go smoothly, we must learn to let the past be in the past and respect the pack. It is not always easy, especially with the pack changing from time to time, but we learn to compromise and do what is in the best interest of the treaty because that is in our best interest. Does that make sense?" The boys begrudgingly nodded and Leah cleared her throat to get their attention.

"That is also why we have decided you should go to the bonfire," she revealed and Josh hopped up.

"What, are you serious? How can….." Jacob interrupted his son.

"Before you say that we are being unfair, we have also decided that if you are willing to attend the bonfire, it is only fair that we let you and Zach go to Courtney's party," confessed Jacob and Josh ran over to hug both of his parents.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is awesome! Z, did you hear that? Aren't you excited," asked Josh and Jasper frowned as he sensed his nephew's emotions.

"No, he isn't," stated Jasper and Zach groaned.

"I just don't think this party will be for me. I don't want to get involved in all of that drama," explained Zach. Josh ran back over to him.

"Dude, you can't be serious right now!"

"I don't want to see Jeremy trying to hook up with Courtney. That is gross!"

"Wait, do you like Courtney now?"

"Not like that, but come on, the guy is obviously a dog. You said it yourself."

"I said she probably thinks he is one and why do you care anyways? Jeremy gets the girl. We get to party and have Jeremy off our backs, easy as pie."

"Not at the expense of Courtney. She deserves better than that and we can get Jeremy off our backs simply because we are awesome, full of alphaness, and even if the kids at Forks High don't know that, they know we should be considered the cool kids. Being popular is the easy part, easy as elk." Emmett frowned in confusion.

"So wait, are you two going to the party and are you into this human girl or not," questioned Emmett.

"I'm just as confused as you are," muttered Josh as he fell back onto the couch dramatically.

"No, I am not into Courtney. I just think she deserves better and if the only reason Jeremy gets to go to this party and try to hook up with her is because of us, well then I don't want to go."

"But we already made sure Jeremy got invited," whined Josh and Rosalie glanced at Leah.

"Are you following this," asked Rosalie. Leah shook her head.

"Not at all, okay you two, either way you have to go to the bonfire. It is important. If you want to go to the party, you can. If not, great, that is one less thing we have to stress about as your parents," said Leah. Josh turned to his friend and put on his best pout. Zach rolled his eyes, but nodded.

"Fine, we will go, but if Jeremy makes unwanted advances at Courtney, I cannot promise that I will not say something. I mean he hooked up with Lisa, the guy is not in this for love," exclaimed Zach and Josh chuckled at his exasperation.

"Look at you trying to protect Courtney's honor, I think you have a crush," teased Josh.

"She isn't even my type," said Zach as if it was obvious.

"Zach loves Courtney," sang Josh before falling into a fit of laughter.

"Do not! Oh I can't wait to go to school tomorrow and talk to Nina. It is on," declared Zach before racing upstairs and Josh gasped.

"Wait, Z, let's talk about this," exclaimed Josh as he jogged up the stairs. Leah sighed and shook her head.

"We were so close to getting out of it. At least they are going to the bonfire, even if that means going to the party," said Leah.

"You're welcome, the idea was mine after all," reminded Alice and Leah waved her off. Emmett looked at his wife cautiously.

"Uh, angel, you okay," questioned Emmett as the others noticed the look of dread on Rosalie's face.

"Oh I will be okay. I think it just fully dawned on me that our son is in high school, which includes high school girls and high school drama and words like hooking up," she whispered in disbelief. Emmett kissed the top of her head and grinned.

"Yea, but don't worry. We raised him right," he assured.