First Born Son

by laura-maeve

William Black is the first born son of Alpha, Jacob Black. As next in line for the throne, it's up to him to prove himself worthy of the title of Alpha Male. Little does he know, Will has an enemy, one who's out for revenge. With this enemy in his territory, he takes it upon himself to cut down the threat. The question is can he get over his teenage hormones long enough to succeed?

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7. Well then. Some of you were asking for action. Well, we get some. And some new info on Hunter. Now, I didn't go through and proofread for typos so please forgive me for them.

*Disclaimer*

Please Enjoy!

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RPOV

Oh, it was so good to be away from Forks for a little while to spend a night with my daughter. We didn't have near enough time together alone. As we walked out of the movie theater toward the car, I looked over at her. She glowing and smiling slightly.

I nudged her. "You seem better tonight."

Looking over at me, her smile grew. "Well, I thought about what you said last night. You were right; I should be happy that Brayden is still in my life. I mean, he seemed to be in as much pain as I was. And if he can plaster on smiles to keep people from worrying then I can, too. It's his business until he wants to talk about it, which is fine. I've got to take care of Will anyway."

Wrapping my arm through hers, I said, "Yeah, Dad's been telling me about Hunter. Do you really suspect her of foul play?"

Thinking about it, she nibbled her lip. "It's not that I think she's done anything. It's just this feeling I have that something is going to happen. Like, maybe she's planning something. And I have to admit that I kind of find it strange that she's latched onto Will so hard and fast. Only three days and she's really laying on the charm."

"You think he likes her?"

I saw the look that said she was about to fudge the answer. "I don't know. He said that he was going to lay on the charm. She wouldn't hang around as much if they were just friends. More than friends means new relationship. New relationship means a gross over-attendance of her in our lives."

That made me laugh. "I know what you mean. But your brother is now tied to the well-being of the pack more than ever. Sacrifices have to be made to see to that safety."

"Oh, I know. I just hate the waiting for something to happen. Let it happen and be done."

I chuckled. "You sound just like me. I hated it, too. You know that Grampa can have a go at her."

She shook her head. "No. Will wants to take care of it. And I don't blame him."

"Well, if he gets stuck, tell him Grampa would be happy to help."

"Of course I will. I just think that this should be dealt with as if magic weren't a go-to tool, you know? Good old let it happen and deal with it. It's good training."

I couldn't argue with that. Experiences helped the brain learn and knowledge grow. Pulling my arm out of hers, I wrapped it around her shoulders. "So you think he'll like his presents from us?"

She wrapped her arm around my waist and leaned on my shoulder. "Yeah, I do. He's been talking about wanting one to match Dad's so he doesn't have to keep using his. And I know he's been talking about reading more, but he's into history, books that Ash and I just don't have. Most of the time books are cheaper electronically."

I'd talked to Jacob about his tools for his cars. Will wanted to own the shop someday, so I thought it might be nice for him to have his own set of tools. A couple of the store workers had gotten the tools and the giant rolling container into the SUV for us. Jules had picked out an e-reader for him. Because of my mom we had a special account at one of the bookstores here in Port Angeles. Will could get the books he wanted because Mom and I had a card specifically to that account. It was an unlimited fund that Mom and Dad had set up for the kids so that they could have access to any and all books they wanted. Sometimes it was good to have family money.

On the sidewalk, a group of rowdy middle-aged men were about to walk past us. I braced myself, keeping my arm tight around Jules. We weren't even five feet from the car.

Sure enough…"Hey, gorgeous. Wanna ride?" His words were slurred as if he'd been drinking. He smelled like it, too. And his saving grace was that he was talking to me and not Jules.

But Jules fired up anyway. "That's my mother, you ignorant drunk. Go blow smoke up some other woman's skirt," she snapped viciously.

The man stopped and blinked, looking from her to me and back again. A look of confusion descended on him and the other guys. That was the usual reaction when we were out together. Usually we just went with the sister thing, but Jules had a tendency to snap when someone hit on one of us instead of just asking if we were related.

Jules gripped my hand and pulled me to the car. "Jerk," she said, pushing past him.

I quickly unlocked the car and we hopped in. Once the doors were locked, we looked at each other and busted out laughing. Her aqua eyes sparkled as she enjoyed her small victory.

Patting her leg, I said, "Oh you are just like your brothers."

She grinned at me. "I shall take that as a compliment."

"As well you should. Although Will probably would have just growled at him."

She laughed out again. "Oh I would have paid to see that. The guy would have wet himself."

"Probably."

As I put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb, my phone started to ring. Jacob.

WillPOV

"Seriously?" I said as Parker won yet another race. "When did you get better than me?" Putting the controller down, I flung myself back onto the floor.

Parker crawled onto my chest and sat down, crossing her legs. Before I'd phased she'd have been crushing my lungs. Now, she felt like a feather. She grinned down at me. "Will, I've been better than you since I was, like, eight. I was just going easy on you."

Bray hissed. "Ooo, burn, baby."

I chuckled. "Really now? Is that what it was?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well, then…" Grabbing her, I rolled over and pinned her down, tickling her. "I didn't want to do this, but you've given me no choice."

She laughed, screamed, and giggled. Uncle Embry and Aunt Tricia poked their heads in from the kitchen. They shook their heads laughing.

"Brayden!" she screamed through her giggles.

He looked down at me, chuckling. "Why am I always saving the girls from you?"

"You didn't save Jules," I reminded him as Parker kicked me in the lower stomach. I supposed paying attention would benefit my health. Just a couple inches lower and I'd be singing soprano for a while.

Brayden made a pained face while I readjusted. I'd forgotten she was a kicker. "I'm gonna go get the stuff for s'mores."

"Yay!" Parker managed even though she was laughing and trying to fight me off.

"Parker, don't kill him while I'm gone."

"I'll…do…my best," she gasped out. She managed to get her foot up high enough to push against my cheek. "Will! I gots ta peeeeee!"

"Should have thought of that before you told me I suck."

"But you do!" she howled.

Grinning, I finally let her up. She popped up and booked it for the bathroom.

Once she came back and Brayden sat down with a tray of ingredients, we popped in a movie while he made s'mores in the fireplace. Parker hummed and chewed happily sitting between us on the floor, our backs against the couch. Her little feet moved back and forth while she danced between us. Chocolate and marshmallow coated her fingers and the area around her mouth.

After the movie, Brayden and I said our goodbyes. Aunt Tricia thanked us for wearing her daughter out and effectively ruining her dinner. Well, it was our pleasure. That kid was something else.

Outside was dark, cold, and damp. The clouds had moved out. Out here in the woods where there weren't streetlights, the stars were easier to see. But the walk down the drive and onto the backstreets was a little creepy.

Brayden elbowed me. "So you're really okay with me imprinting on Jules?"

I laughed. "Yes, man. I just don't understand why you won't tell her. She'd be thrilled. And all the girls at school would hate her. You know she'd cackle with glee about that." Seriously, seeing them together would ease a tension I really hadn't know I'd ever had. I always worried over Jules and the guy she'd end up with. And the fact that Bray had imprinted on her had me breathing easier. Whether or not she phased and where or not she ended up with him, she always had a watch wolf. No matter what, he wouldn't be far away from her. She was his life now, so I could worry about my own knowing that she was safe.

He chuckled. "Yeah. How'd you guess?"

"Honestly? I'd guessed you'd imprinted before I phased, but I didn't know on who. Around us, you'd joke about Jules. And then I phased and imprinted on Hunter. Then, I knew. The first time I saw you look at Jules after I did those two things told me everything I needed to know. Don't worry. You still have your sister and the twins fooled. And everybody else. But not me. I know you too well, probably even better than Piper does. At least until she phases. And you'd guessed about Hunter by the way I was acting. Didn't you?"

He shrugged. "It just seemed weird. It's not like you to be so…into a girl. Not like that. Not so consumed. And then you ditched me for her." He chuckled and slapped my shoulder. "I gotta tell you, man, that stung. A lot. But I guess I really have to forgive you now because I would have done the same thing to get a moment alone with Jules."

Looking over at him, I said, "Dude, all you have to do is crook your finger at her. No need to ditch anybody. She'll tell anyone else to go away herself."

He chuckled. The tension he'd been carrying over the past few days seemed to have lessened. He smiled easier and that constant spark in his green eyes had come back. "That's true. Are you sure you're okay? I figured you'd be all 'you're my best friend but she's my sister'."

I threw a smirk at him. "Well yeah. It's a given. But I know you won't hurt her. You can't. But, dude, seriously, don't wait until she phases to tell her. You'll be in a lot less trouble that way."

Ignoring the last, he asked, "You really think she's going to phase?"

Clenching my jaw, I said, "Yes. There's no other option."

"Will-,"

"No! She'll phase as will Maddox and Ash. I won't lose them or you to mortality."

"Will," he said quietly, "you imprinted on a human. If you age with her, we'll lose you to mortality. Let's face it, every imprinted wolf stops phasing to age with their human mate."

Swallowing hard, I knew this was something that had to be thought about. He was right. Hunter was human. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that no matter what happened, if at the end of it all I was given a choice, I'd stop phasing to age with her. Taking a deep breath, I said, "Bray, whatever is about to happen to our lives, and make no mistake, something is going to happen, it's just starting." I couldn't believe what I was about to say next, but I said it anyway. "And accidents happen when things go wrong."

I felt his eyes on the back of my head. "You're saying she could get infected."

"It's possible if she stays around me. I'm not saying I'd purposely infect her, not without her consent. But if she stays in our world…" I just shook my head. "Anything's possible."

"Will-," he stopped saying whatever he was going to say.

Frowning, I looked over at him.

He frowned, stopped, and gripped my arm, pulling me to a stop. Lifting his face to the drizzle, he inhaled so deeply that his chest and shoulders lifted.

I did the same, lifting my nose to the wind.

Then we looked at each other and said, "Blood," at the same time.

I was still a little off with figuring out my senses, so Brayden pulled me in the direction that the scent was coming from. It was off the road in the woods south of the rez. There was a lot of woods between the main part of town and the next town south. The further in we went, the darker it got. And the scent grew so bad that my sinuses were singing as well as my stomach. I'd never really craved human blood, and I knew that's what I was smelling right now.

"You okay?" Brayden asked as if he just remembered my vampire genes.

"Yeah," I said.

"Good. I think it's time to run."

Slipping out of my backpack, I grabbed my extra pair of sweats out of my bag and wrapped them around my ankle which would stay roughly the same size it was now. Not really attached to the clothes I was wearing, I slipped out of my shoes before phasing. The one thing I'd managed to get ahold of was phasing at will without the need of a trigger. Brayden was beside me a moment later, his light brown fur ruffled at the neck.

Brayden? Will?

Dad, Brayden said.

What are you two doing? You should be on your way home.

We know that, Uncle Seth, but we caught the scent of a lot of human blood in the woods south of the rez.

There was a hesitation. He was deciding whether to tell us to check it out or wait for the wolves closest to us on patrol to get here.

Let them go.

I recognized my own dad's voice.

The sooner we get eyes on the situation, the sooner we know what's going on and can contain it. Go on.

Without another thought, we took off through the woods, dodging fallen trees and thick foliage. Some of the roots were huge and popping out of the ground like the bones of a skeleton buried too close to the surface. The scent got stronger and stronger, pulling me along down its trail. My head was pounding as if the scent were something physical that had wormed its way through my senses to beat my brain. I could hear others in the pack racing toward us, including my dad.

Eventually, we skidded into a large meadow, growling and snarling. When nothing jumped out at us, we hunkered down in the grass, eyes searching. Water was dripping from the trees to steadily land on my head. We had to be right on top of whatever that scent was coming from. My eyes were watering, body sore and straining.

Easy, Will, Dad said. We're on our way.

I've never craved human blood before.

Yeah, well, you've never really had the scent so prominent in your nose before. Leave if you have to. Bray-

I got him.

He moved closer to me so that his shoulder brushed mine. I was taller than him in this form, too, but not by much. The dripping on my head was starting to get irritating. It was steady and heavy right above my eyes.

What dripping? Bray asked.

Wait for it…that dripping, I said when another drop landed on me.

Brayden pushed his nose in my face, snuffling.

I pulled back, raising my hackles. Dude, what are you doing?

Just stop for a second.

I did grudgingly and let him sniff me. Another drip came, landing on my muzzle. We shared a wolf glance before we slowly looked up.

Immediately, the fur on my back raised, my hackles going up. Yelping and growling, we spun out into the meadow and looked at the spot above where we'd just been standing.

Oh my god, Brayden murmured.

It was Chad, the guy I'd threatened this morning at the school. He was strung up in the trees, throat ripped out, and claw marks all over his body. Blood covered every inch of his skin and clothes. One of his eyes was open, wide and pale in the moonlight that managed to peek through the trees. The other had been punctured, clear, thick fluid covering his cheek. The body hung limp secured by ropes to the branches, splaying him out as if he'd been crucified. The trees rattled in a gust of wind and another scent hit us, hidden under the blood. I gagged on the smell that should only be coming from an outhouse. I'd heard that fear and death could cause the loss of control for bowel and bladder. And I scenting that firsthand.

It was safe to say my craving was gone, and the chocolate from the s'mores was ready to make a reappearance. All I could think was I didn't do this.

Of course you didn't, Bray mentally choked out. He was also trying not to look at the body or take deep breaths as blood and other things dripped down through the branches.

It made me think of what else had dripped all over me. Phasing back to human, I went to my knees and tossed up everything I'd eaten that day. A howl went up, heard over my retching, but I ignored it as my stomach spasmed, gut convulsing, throat raw.

Aunt Morgan and Aunt Christa slammed through the bushes a moment later, screeching to a halt beside me. Aunt Morgan moved to stand with Brayden and stared at the body while Aunt Christa stayed with me. Hastily, even though my eyes were still watering and my throat convulsing, I managed to pull on my sweats with shaky hands. She'd turned away when she'd realized that I was naked. Now, she turned back to me, gently licking my face.

Gripping her fur as tightly as I dared, I buried my face behind her ear. "I didn't do this," I croaked.

Pulling away a little, she looked back at me with that ever popular expression in her wolf eyes. The one that said, "Tell me something I don't know, genius." Well, at least they had faith in me.

Dad, Uncle Seth, Uncle Emmett, Uncle Jasper, and Grampa Edward came through the shrubs a moment later. Uncle Seth went to stand with Brayden and Morgan. Dad came over to me, staring at the carnage. Letting go of Aunt Christa, I moved to stand beside him. Grampa Edward was next to me a moment later.

Frowning, I looked me up and down. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, still feeling a little green even though there couldn't possibly be anything else in my stomach. "Yeah. What the hell did this?"

He shook his head. "From the looks of the slices, could have been a wolf or a mountain lion."

I looked at him. "You don't sound so sure."

"Will, natural wolves don't come up or down this far because of the two packs. So, in that instance, it would have had to have been one of Jacob's wolves or one of Walker's. Walker has ordered his pack not to attack anyone. And of course, your and your father's pack are here to protect, not murder." Then he amended himself. "However, a member of Walker's pack wouldn't be bound by an order. They would still be able to disobey." He looked to Christa. "Is there any chance?"

She stared at him but I knew that she was mentally talking. His brow pulled down low as he listened.

Frowning, I said, "But even if it was a mountain lion, who strung him to the tree?"

"Exactly." He looked to Dad. "Jacob, we have to call the rez police. Charlie wouldn't be a bad idea either."

Dad turned and snapped at him.

"Jacob," Grampa fired back, "this isn't about the pack. A boy was murdered. Not mention that the way it was done looks like a wolf got to him. Do you really want you or the pack blamed for this? The best thing is to call, tell them what you know, and let it work itself out."

"Dad," I whispered as an awful thought hit me. When he looked at me, I swallowed hard and admitted to this morning. "I threatened him. This morning."

"What?" Grampa asked as Dad turned to stare at me.

Brayden trotted over to us, standing beside me as my dad and grandfather faced me.

"The kid was a trouble-maker. We all knew that, and he was a bully. Sexually harassing all the girls, probably worse, terrorizing the lower classmen. Today, I caught him going after Hunter. He was touching her, being racist, and suggesting she…they…" I couldn't even bring myself to say it because just thinking about it made me see red. "I told him to clean himself up, to stop harassing the girls. If he didn't, I told him the police would be the least of his worries."

Dad growled and I knew he was cussing up a storm. Grampa just quirked an eyebrow in his direction. "That doesn't bear repeating, Jacob."

I looked at my father. "Dad, I only meant to scare him. The police weren't doing it even though he'd been picked up numerous times."

Grampa held up his hands, his phone in one of them. "Okay. Alright. But we still need to call the police. The boy should be taken care of properly."

Grumbling, Dad went to Uncle Emmett, who I saw was carrying a large duffel. He opened it and draped a pair of sweats around Dad's neck. Brayden and Uncle Seth followed.

When Dad came back, he looked concerned. "Morgan, Christa, go run the perimeter. See if you can find anything. I don't scent any of Walker's wolves. Nor mine. Or any mountain lions for that matter."

Uncle Jasper stepped forward, looking up at the body while Grampa dialed Grampa Charlie and the rez police. "Well, he most certainly didn't get up there on his own." He studied it objectively, like it didn't bother him. After his past, it probably didn't.

"You think?" Dad snapped irritably.

Uncle Jasper gave him an arched eyebrow over his shoulder. "What's odd," he continued, "is that there are no scents. Nothing human besides our victim. No other wolves. No other predators. And yet," he motioned up into the trees, "here we are."

"What are you suggesting?" Uncle Seth asked.

"Tristan's pack found a way to hide their scent. A way we never identified."

Grampa frowned. "You think something is in the woods?"

Uncle Emmett spoke up then. "It makes sense. This area is the least patrolled. The packs generally stay around Forks and the Makah rez watching over the people, not the trees."

Sirens sounded in the distance. We all sort of just froze and quieted down. I'd never been in trouble with the police before so I was nervous. Grampa Edward, Uncle Jasper, and Uncle Emmett all left before the cops showed up, just in case the chief was wary of the Cullens' involvement.

Dad put a hand on my shoulder. "Just tell them what you told us, alright?"

I nodded.

Brayden stepped up beside me. "It was both of us. We'll both go through this. They might split us up. Will, it's important that we keep our stories the same. Just tell it like it happened. Leave nothing out. If they don't separate us, I can do the talking, okay?"

I nodded again. "TV is a wonderful teacher, isn't it?"

He puffed out a laugh.

It wasn't long until Grampa Charlie and Chief Bruce Yates came through the trees. My great-grandfather looked haggard, rough and tired. He'd been in bad shape since Grampa Billy died, and I knew he was contemplating retiring from the station. He and the rez chief looked around the meadow and up at Chad's body. They both took pictures with their phones and disposable cameras before coming over to us. On the way over, Chief Yates called in the morgue attendants.

He nodded at us. "Jacob." He shook my dad's hand and then looked at me. "William."

I shook his hand. "Chief Yates."

He shook hands with Brayden and Uncle Seth. Then he took out a pen and notebook from his jacket pocket. "Alright, you boys want to tell me what happened?"

Brayden ran a hand through his hair. "Well, Will and I were walking back up to our houses from spending the afternoon at Embry Call's place. On the way back through the back roads, we started smelling blood. Fresh, human blood." The chief knew about the pack so he was comfortable dealing with us. "Being who we are, we decided to check it out. The more we moved into the woods, the stronger it got, so we phased and ran for it. When we got here, the meadow was empty. But we stood there for a minute or so. That's when Will felt something drip on his head. We looked up and found the body. We've been here ever since."

The chief was scribbling notes down as was Grampa Charlie.

Bruce frowned over the paper. "So you didn't see anyone run out of the woods or hear anything? Or smell anything running in?"

We shook our heads.

"In all honesty, we were more concerned with the blood and where it was coming from," I said. "But no, nobody came out of the woods. No large animals around. Everything was quiet."

"Did you know him?" Charlie asked.

Brayden and I shared a look. Dad nudged me. "Go on, son. Tell them everything."

Charlie's greying eyebrows rose while Bruce's frown deepened.

I nodded. "Yes, sir, we knew him."

"Let me guess, you didn't get along?"

"Not exactly."

"So what happened?"

Brayden started to step up but I shook my head, telling him that I would handle this one. His expression said he didn't like it, but he took it as an order and stepped back. I took a deep breath. "This morning there was an incident. He was sexually harassing…a student." I'd almost said Hunter's name, but thought better of it. "A female student. We all knew that he had a history of doing that plus other things around the rez. You've picked him up before for drugs and stuff. But he wasn't listening to the police so I told him that if he kept it up, the police would be the least of his worries."

Now both chiefs turned angry. Grampa Charlie shook his head and turned away. Bruce just glared at me. "So you threatened him with the pack."

Desperately, I said, "Look, I didn't threaten to kill him. I just wanted to scare him into thinking that the pack was watching him. I just told him that everybody on the rez was under our protection including those who aren't Quileute and that we wouldn't tolerate harassment. You've arrested him so many times, but it hasn't done anything. He was still a douche. I just thought stepping it up to the pack watching him would scare him enough to cool off."

"What were your exact words?"

Dammit. Of course he asked that. But it was better I tell him now than he hear worse things from the witnesses in the hallway. "I told him that if he hurt or harassed anyone else on the rez or Forks and I heard about it, that I'd come after him."

He looked up from his notepad expectantly. "You really expect me to believe that that's all you said? Spit it out, son."

"I'm not your son," I said on reflex.

He gave me a look.

"Sorry. I told him that I don't have the time or patience to deal with is petty crap so if I did come after him he'd better pray he could run fast enough."

"And I told him," Brayden said, "that if he messed with anyone under our protection, he messed with us, the whole pack."

Grampa and Bruce both looked at us.

"So you both said something," Grampa said.

Brayden nodded. "Yes. Listen, he may have been a high school student but what would have happened after his senior year? You really think he would have cleaned up? No. He'd have gotten worse. We were trying to nip it in bud before that happened." He looked to Bruce. "No offense, but the police weren't threatening to him. But I can assure you that we didn't do this."

Bruce looked back at the body that was in the process of being taken down out of the tree. He sighed. "Alright, just between us, I believe you didn't do this. I've known you both since you were in diapers. Not to mention the kid's been dead for a few hours. And I believe Mr. Call will corroborate your story."

"And so will his eleven year old daughter, Parker," I said. "We made her s'mores. If you need proof, it's over in the grass where I threw up my guts."

Bruce chuckled and wrote something down. "Okay, boys. I'm going to advise that you take the next two days off school."

"What? Why?" I asked.

Now he glared at me and pointed his pen at me. "Boy, I'm going to be at that school talking to witnesses. Do you really want to see that? I can't just not follow up. I have to show that I'm doing something about this because it will get out. Go have a four day weekend. It's your birthday anyway. Get ready for the party. I'll talk to your principal."

When he started to walk away, I called him back. He turned and I held out my hand. "Thank you. For believing us."

He shook my hand. "You're good kids and just trying to follow your dads' shadows. I understand that. Now go home. I've got work to do." Then he walked off. "Keep your phones on," he added over his shoulder.

Dad put a hand on the back of my neck. "Come on, son. Let's do what the good chief says. I'm sure Mom is dying to see you."

"Did you tell her?"

He chuckled. "All she knows is that a howl went up and you aren't at home. That's cause enough for her to worry."

We went into the woods to circle the scene so that we could go back the way Bray and I had come. I grabbed my backpack and clothes when we got to them. Brayden and Uncle Seth weren't far behind.

"Dad," I started.

He shook his head. "Don't apologize. I know that's what you're about to do."

I slumped a little, staring at the ground as we walked. "Yes, sir."

Now he stopped and turned to look at me. "Will, why is that when you're in trouble or think you are that you start the 'sir' crap? I am your father. You don't have to talk to me like I'm a stranger. Besides, I wasn't telling you not to apologize because I was angry. If anything, I'm proud of you."

Surprised, I looked up at him.

He nodded, a smile on his face. "Yeah, you heard me. You stood up for what was right, protecting your own. You and Bray both. Granted, I wouldn't have done it in such a public place, but I bet you were trying to make a statement to everyone, weren't you? It wasn't just him you were talking to, was it?"

We started walking again as I shook my head. "No. Bray and I ended up saying it to everyone listening. He just happened to be in front of me. How did you know?"

"You're my son. It's an instinct to establish your dominance with your own generation. Sure, their parents tell them who I am, therefore, who you are. But you need to let them know that you're not my shadow, that you are your own person and wolf. You have your own ideals and visions for the future of the pack and the rez. The pack is changing with your generation, Will. Hybrids, mental abilities."

"You mean how Brayden can hide things?"

He nodded. "And you, too."

"Me?" I asked astonished.

He nodded again. "Edward can't read you or Brayden in wolf form. But you he can't read in human form now that you've phased."

My jaw dropped as I stared over at him. "What?"

"Yeah, seems you're just like your grandmother. Of course, Bells would give you a gift that would cause problems for me spying on you. Even phased, you can hide stuff just like Brayden. You are a hybrid, too."

I thought about that for a second. "Huh, I guess I am. I never thought about that before."

"Your grandfather seems to think that once Jules and the twins phase, you might be able to open a link between you as wolves to communicate amongst the four of you without anyone else hearing. Now don't go telling people I told you this. Your mother and I were debating telling you at all. You grandfather isn't fond of the idea that he can't read your mind anymore."

Snorting, I said, "Yeah because he can't spy on me anymore."

Dad didn't think it was funny. Instead he shook his head. "Will, Edward is scared of that. It was how he stayed connected to you. And now he's lost that ability. He feels useless. Not only that, but you, your sister, and your brothers are beyond precious to him. He was a century old when he met Bella. He'd given up hope of a family long before that because of being a vampire. And then they had your mother. Suddenly, he had a family. A precious baby girl that he couldn't believe he was allowed to have. Now, he has four grandchildren. A whole century after he died, his bloodline is allowed a second chance. That's big for him. Sometimes, he may seem distant. I get that. Even after almost eighteen years, he's still thinking that this is all a dream, a fantasy, and that he'll wake up back before he was turned. He loves you very much, but it's hard for him to really show it. Don't think he doesn't love you and that you can't go to him for anything. He'd give you and your siblings the moon if you asked."

Brayden came up behind me, clapping a hand on my shoulder. We walked back to our houses in silence. There'd been a local news van on the street along with the police cruisers. A crowd of people had made their way from the main parts of the rez to try to get a peek. They'd be waiting for a while as they tried to get the body through the woods. On the way through the rez, Dad called Mom, telling her what happened even though I was sure Grampa Edward had said something. Eventually, we made it back home. Mom and Aunt Shelby were standing on the Clearwaters' porch looking worried. Piper, Jules, and the twins were standing by the lake talking.

Mom flew down the porch steps to grab me as soon as we were close enough. Aunt Shelby did the same with Brayden. I hugged my mother tightly. The scent of mint and honey filled my nose, cleaning out the shit, urine, and blood smell that had taken residence in my sinus cavity. I took in deep breaths of her before pulling back.

"I'm okay, Mom. Promise."

She pulled back, eyes full of concern. "You're not in trouble?"

I shook my head. "Yates believed us. But he said that I need to stay home for the rest of the week. He's going to need to talk to the school because of an incident we had with the kid this morning."

She frowned. "Incident? What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Mom. So is Brayden." I shrugged. "My first taste of pack business, I guess."

"He did good," Dad said from behind me. He had that tone of pride that made me want to puff my chest like a bird.

Mom looked around me at him. "He did well," she corrected.

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Just know you should be proud."

"Of course I'm proud. When am I not?"

Chuckling, I extracted myself from her grip. "Alright, Mom-."

My phone started ringing from my backpack. It was my default ring for numbers that I didn't know or new numbers. Excusing myself, I dug it out thinking it was Chief Yates needing me to answer more questions. It wasn't. Hunter's name flashed. Heart stopping then speeding up, I walked away from the group looking for a bit of silence and privacy.

"Hello?"

"Thank God. Are you okay?" Her voice was thick with worry. But it made my heart leap to hear it.

I frowned. "Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"

She blew out a relieved breath. "The news. Chief Yates is on the local channel saying that someone was confirmed dead. A male student from the high school. I was scared it was you. They're not saying who it was."

That was fast. But then again, getting out a statement as soon as possible was probably a good thing.

Her worry for me made me want to kiss her, among other things. I let out my own breath. "I'm perfectly okay. I promise. But, hey, listen, I'm not going to be at school tomorrow or Friday."

"Why not?" It sounded like she was pouting.

I tried to fight the grin as I explained. "Because I know who it was. Brayden and I found the body in the first place. If we hadn't, nobody would have found it for days or even weeks."

Now she made an irritated noise. "Well, are you going to tell me?"

Looking around, I made sure nobody was watching or paying attention to me. "It was Chad. From this morning."

I could practically hear her frown. "You mean the jackass who hit on me that you threatened?"

"Yes. That's why I need to lay low. Yates is going to be there talking to the other students who were in the hallway. If he questions you, don't tell him I told you this, alright? I'll catch shit for not telling him that the student Chad was harassing was you and that we're…together, but let me handle that if it comes out, okay? I told him about the threat I made, but he believes that it wasn't me or Brayden who killed him, so you don't have to lie for me. Just tell him what happened if he questions you." I didn't want her getting into any trouble because of me.

"Okay, I'll remember that. Should I tell him we're together?"

My gut clenched at the thought that she had just put a confirmation on something I'd still been unsure of. "Just say we're a new couple. It's the truth anyway. My threat wasn't just meant for Chad. You know that, right?"

"Yeah, of course. I heard Brayden talking to everyone."

"Good. Look, if you have any trouble tomorrow or Friday, call me or my dad."

"I will."

"Are you okay?"

She let out a choked laugh. "I am now. Scared the crap out of me when he said the male body was found in the woods. Do they know what did it?"

Taking a deep breath, I said, "No. We know it was some kind of animal, but not what." Then I frowned. She'd asked "what" not "who" as if she'd known that he'd been killed by something not human. This time my gut clenched in something other than affection or lust. But I kept my suspicion quiet. I'd talk to Brayden later. Or Dad. "Neither the pack nor the other half of my family could find a scent. But he was definitely mauled by something." I didn't tell her the gruesome details because I didn't want her to have the nightmares I knew I was going to have tonight. "So please be careful around your place. If you go outside, make sure it's to get straight into your car. No more walking since you live in the woods. Okay?"

There was a pause before I heard her swallow hard. "Yeah, okay."

"Promise me, Hunter," I demanded. "The woods aren't safe right now, and I don't want the next body I find to be yours. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, I understand. I promise, Will. You be careful out there, too. Alright?"

"Of course."

"I'm serious."

Despite my suspicion, I couldn't help the smile at her protective tone. "I know. I am, too. I'll be careful."

"You better be. Well, I guess you need to get back to your family. I'll text you tomorrow with updates, okay?"

"Sounds good."

"Okay, well, goodnight."

"Good night, Hunter."

We hung up and I turned around only to jump out of my skin. Piper was standing there with her arms crossed over her stomach.

"Shiiit!" I hissed.

She raised an eyebrow. "Girlfriend?"

I looked around frantically. "Shh!"

"Oh come on, Will. If you bring her this weekend everyone's going to know. Besides, I'm pretty sure our moms know because your dad talks to your mom and your mom talks to mine."

"That doesn't mean I want to add it to my shit list tonight, Piper."

I tucked my phone into the pocket of my sweats and started walking toward the group. Jules and the twins had joined Mom and Dad. Piper caught up to me, walking beside me. She had to walk faster to keep up with my slower pace because her legs were shorter.

"So is Chad really dead?"

I looked over at her. "You could at least sound a little upset. The kid lost his life."

She gave me a look. "You're the same age as he was. And upset? As much shit as I've heard about him, he deserved it."

Stopping I grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop and turn. I glared at her. "Nobody deserves what he got, Piper. You weren't there. You didn't see what they did to him. I don't care how much of an asshole he was, nobody deserves that. I know you're not a sociopath so try to show a little compassion."

I left her there to stare after me. I may have been pissed that he'd hurt people, had almost hurt Hunter, but that didn't mean he'd deserved to die painfully like that and then strung up like a broken doll. It made me nervous that we didn't have anything to blame yet even though werewolf was looking pretty good. I didn't like knowing there was something in my woods hurting people. It was going to end. I'd make sure of it.

Jules came up to me and wrapped her arms around my waist, pressing her ear to my heart. "Are you okay? Really okay?" she whispered.

I hugged her and rested my cheek on her hair. "I don't know. It was bad, Jules. Really bad. How's Bray?"

"Going into shock. Dad and Uncle Seth said he'd seemed fine down there, but he's not so fine right now."

Looking up over her shoulder, I saw that Piper had gone to her brother. He was holding onto her for all he was worth, face buried in her hair. She was slowly stroking his hair, neck, and back. I knew he probably wished it was Jules, but it was still nice to have someone to hold onto when you felt like your world was tilting. After a moment, she moved to stand beside him and helped him into their house. Ash and Maddox came over to us. Everybody was breaking up and heading for their homes. Mom and Dad were walking over.

"Alright," Mom said, coming over to touch my face and brush my hair back out of my eyes. "Let's go inside. It's chilly out tonight."

Jules tightened her grip around me before stepping back. "Yeah, you need some food before you go into shock, too."

I was herded inside by my family. Dad had my backpack and still had that proud, smug look on his face. The boy inside me glowed at the fact that I'd made my father proud. That was all I'd ever wanted. But I knew this wasn't even close to over yet. There were so many more opportunities for disappointment. I just hoped we all survived the mysterious thing running our woods.

HunterPOV

The moment I got off the phone with Will, I grabbed my jacket, wallet, and car keys. Even when I made them in character, I didn't break my promises. After jumping into the Jeep, I flew up out of the rez toward a back road that was right outside of Forks on the other side. It led past a piece of land that held so many cabins it was like its own town. That was the other pack that held territory over this area. Walker's pack. He was respected throughout the supernatural world for integrating so easily into pack leader with minimal deaths. It was a serious accomplishment.

I drove by it, heading further north. When I got the place I was looking for, I pulled up close to the double doors. Wolves poured out of the woods from either side until I stepped out of the car. Glaring at them, I went for the barn. They backed off to melt into the darkness. I banged on the old wood with a fist. It opened a moment later by the huge lead enforcer, Jerome. He nodded once respectfully as I pushed past him.

"Where is he?" I demanded, my accent swinging in full force. It was good to let it loose.

Silently, Jerome nodded toward the last stall on the right. Light was shining from it, shadows playing on the walls. The grunts and skin-slapping of hard sex got louder as I moved toward the stall. He was with a female. Go figure. Probably his fifth tonight. The man was insatiable.

The muted scream of a female's climax echoed the huge space as I flung the door open. Chains rattled as she thrashed. The sight was one I'd seen before. Drina was naked, her wrists chained above her head, and gagged. Melice had pulled her up so that she was standing, leaning face first against the wall while he had his way with her. It was one of his favorite submissive positions. He was just finishing on his end, pulling out of her limp body when I stepped in. There were bloody furrows on his body, what I could see of it since he still had his jeans on. Drina was also bloody and sagged in the chains when he pulled back.

"I do hope you left her alive since I refuse the chains," I said.

My future mate turned with a rather evil grin as he tucked himself back in his jeans. From what I saw, he was still hard. Melice had black hair cut short and dark blue eyes. His body rippled with taut muscle as he stalked over to me, licking his lips, eyes roaming my body.

"Ah, my alpha female. I do hope you've come to play?" He wrapped his arms around me and pressed our bodies together so tightly that I felt his erection against my stomach. The feel of it made my body hot and tight.

"No," I whispered, flicking my tongue out to lick the blood from a scratch on his neck.

He shivered in my arms. "Then why are you here?" he asked in my ear. "I hope not to tease me. I'm far from sated tonight."

"Why? Because you killed tonight?" He always got a high off killing things, especially if they personally wronged him.

He grinned again. "Did you like my gift?"

"Hardly. A dead boy?" I wasn't one to kill without need. Chad had been harmless to me.

"He threatened you," he growled. "Nobody threatens my female." He moved closer so that his lips hovered over mine. "Not even a weak human."

I pulled back but stayed in his arms. "So you are following me, or having someone else do it. Melice, I can't act my part if you don't tell me these things. I don't need to be surprised. And by the way, no more killing, not like that. William Black found the body. You got damn lucky the police didn't suspect the pack, otherwise, Will would have been a prime suspect for his threats. I need Will."

Melice's amusement died with that last statement. He took in a deep breath and growled it out as he pulled away from me to go back to Drina. She was still limp, the chains digging into her wrists. He removed them, took off her gag, and laid her down on a large canvas tarp. He may like rough sex, but he always took care of his toys so that he might use them again. Having to break in new ones always irritated him. After extinguishing the light, he pulled me out of the stall and shut the door.

Then, without warning, he slammed me back against the wall of another stall. Clenching his jaw, he lifted one finger to trail from my lips, over my chin, and down my chest to my cleavage, pulling my shirt down a little to reveal the royal purple bra. Those blue eyes darkened with want as he licked his lips. His thigh moved up between mine. "Yes, William. I don't like him."

"I don't either," I said even though a part of me didn't like the thought of hurting him. I pushed that part away, unsure of where it came from. Chess piece, he was a bloody chess piece. "But that's not the point."

"I don't see why you don't just go to the man's house and kill him. Then we can go home and be properly mated."

Arching my back so my breasts hit his chest, I ran my hands down his arms, smearing the blood. "It's the game, Mel. I want to play it. You promised we'd do it my way." I pouted. "Would you truly deny me my fun?"

Growling, he leaned forward, taking my bottom lip between his teeth and bit hard until I tasted blood. I moaned in bliss before he let go. The cut would heal slower but be gone by morning. "No, I suppose not," he whispered, running his hands over my body. "But you best hurry up. I want what was promised to me. I can't take you until we're mated per my father's orders." Gripping my breast hard, he put his lips to my ear. "And I very much want to take you. Hard. Fast. In every way imaginable. This body will be mine, and I will know every inch of it by the morning after our mating."

His words sent chills over my body, nipples tightening under his hands. My hips moved over their own accord, rubbing me against his thigh pressed between my legs.

"Since I can't have you yet, will you stay tonight? Watch me take another female?"

I'd only ever heard him ask me for anything. To everybody else, he demanded and took what he wanted. He was next in line to lead. His father had raised and groomed me to be his son's mate someday, but I had to prove myself to them with this assignment.

Breathy with anticipation, I nodded. "Yes," I breathed.

His grin was all sexual male. "Good. You can pick."

"One condition," I said, bringing my fingers up to his lips.

"Anything."

"No more killing. The human wasn't a threat to me. If we want to get out of here quietly, we can't kill. Murder doesn't happen here because of the packs. I'm not asking to bust your balls, Mel. I want to keep our people safe. Jacob's and Walker's packs will get suspicious. They'll widen their patrols and find us. Please."

I could tell he didn't like it even though I'd made it a request. But he knew it was the best course of action if we wanted to get out undetected after I got what I'd come here for. He sucked my fingers into his mouth, tongue licking his blood off of them, and nodded. "I know you don't relish killing the way I do because of what happened to you. Innocents dying just doesn't do it for you. Including those weak humans. Fine. Agreed."

Grinning, I pulled my fingers from his mouth to suck them into mine, tasting his essence and blood. "Thank you."

Breathing hard and aggressively, he reached up to fist my hair, yanking my head back. He licked and nibbled my lips. "Pick the female."

I put all the heat and sex into my eyes as I said, "Ashlynn."

His eyes darkened again at my choice. Out of all the females here, she was the one who had no restrictions when it came to sex. She'd do anything, especially with an audience. No to mention, she had stamina to match his own. Plus she was always willing. He tended to pick females who weren't. And that was something I just didn't approve of.

This was going to be a long bloody night.

Two Days Later…Friday

WillPOV

Mom and I were patty-ing out the hamburgers for the weekend. I wasn't used to being in the kitchen. Cooking wasn't a forte of mine. That was Ash. Mashing the hamburger was actually harder than it seemed. Mom made some of the most delicious hamburgers I'd ever had and I was struggling to match her examples.

I held out the patty in my hand. "Uh, Mom?"

She looked over and laughed. "You're getting there. Don't pat it so thin. We need it to stay thick and hold the juices. Here, like this." She came over and took my hands. Together we balled the meat back up, and she used my hands to mold it. "There. See? The trick is to not overthink it. Just do what feels right."

"Can I just beat the steaks? I know I can do that."

She laughed again. Spending yesterday and today with her was relaxing. It was nice to help her out around the house and have her help on my homework. She was a whiz at literature and it was nice not to feel pressure. My mother was patient and knew how to outline a story for me. I wasn't great at Shakespeare. Mom was so much better than Spark Notes. I wished I could take her to school with me.

Speaking of school, Hunter had texted me updates about Yates being at the school. He did question her and she'd told him everything. Apparently, he wasn't happy that I hadn't mentioned her. I had a feeling I'd be getting a call or a visit.

"So you turn eighteen tomorrow," Mom said. "Feel any older?"

I let out a burst of laughter. "Ha, I feel ancient and like a toddler at the same time."

Her smile was bright and open. "Well, baby," she said, adding a little bit of seasoning to the meat we hadn't yet patted out, "even as a toddler, you were very smart and learned very quickly. You'll adjust."

I grinned at her just as there was a knock on the door. We frowned at each other. Yates? Grabbing a towel, I wiped off my hands. "I'll get it."

The knock had been soft and hesitant. Told me that it probably wasn't someone we knew. I opened the door to find a fellow classmate. The one classmate I'd been nervous about talking to Yates. Chad's girlfriend.

"Jenny?"

Her smile was small. "Hi, Will."

"What are you doing here?"

She tightened her sweater around her. It was thick and clearly warm enough for the cold front that had moved in. Jenny was a tiny girl, barely reaching my sternum. I was well over six feet tall now and about two heads taller than her. Her dark hair was long, nearly reaching her waist. She had it partially up and held by a clip. The girl looked beyond fragile, and I'd always questioned how she'd been with a guy like Chad.

"I was hoping I could talk to you. Chief Yates talked to me yesterday and today. I left early. Not feeling too well."

I frowned, not knowing how to react to her lack of aggression. "Sure. Come on in."

"Thank you." She came in, moving slowly, tiredly.

I closed the door behind her. "Jenny, this is my mom, Renesmee. Mom, this my classmate, Jenny."

Mom washed her hands and came over with a smile. "Hi, Jenny. You can call me Nessie or Mrs. Black. It'll be easier than my whole name."

Jenny smiled weakly and shook her hand. "It's nice to meet you."

My mom frowned a little but said, "Would you like anything to drink?"

"Water would be nice. Thank you."

I walked over to the couch. "Come sit down. You look exhausted."

She sighed as she sat on the love seat. "I kind of am. It's been a stressful couple of days."

"I can imagine. I'm so sorry."

Mom came around to hand her a glass of water.

She took it. "Thank you, Mrs. Black."

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

"Thanks, Mom." I turned to Jenny. "So what did you want to talk about?"

Gathering her thoughts, she took some deep pulls from the glass before holding it on her lap. "I don't want you to think that I think you did this. I know you didn't. I heard what happened the morning he died, how he went after your girlfriend."

I felt Mom's eyes snap to me at that, but for now, I ignored it.

"I'm sorry, Jenny. I would never-,"

Leaning over, she put a hand on my arm. "Will, I know. He was impossible to deal with. I know that. But I came here to tell you about what I told the police." Her skin was cold against mine. "He was dealing drugs again, this time more careful than before. He was being threatened by his suppliers because he wasn't delivering the money to them. He kept getting caught and it taken from him. I told the police that it was probably his suppliers who did that to him. Steering them away from you."

Stunned, I just gaped at her for a moment. "Um, well, thanks, I guess. But how do you know what happened to him?"

Her brown eyes went distant as she took a deep breath. "I had to identify the body. His mother was too drunk and high to get off her ass. She's why he was the way he was. No discipline."

"Damn. Jenny-," The thought of this small, quiet girl having to see something like that was disgusting.

She shrugged. "It's alright. I grew used to it."

I gripped her hand, trying to warm it up. "If you didn't like him or his mother, why did you stay with him?"

She hesitated before unbuttoning the sweater and I had my answer. "Soon, I won't be able to hide it. When my grandmother found out that I was pregnant and it was his child, she tossed me out. I had nowhere else to go. Despite his faults, Chad wanted to be there for the baby. I know he didn't love me. I didn't love him. It was a mistake, but the baby was important to us both." She laughed sarcastically. "I don't even know how we thought we could support a baby. And it's not like I can give it up for adoption."

I frowned. "Why not?"

"I have pack blood but I never phased. My parents left me with my grandmother when I was little so I don't know if they ever phased. I haven't heard from them since they dumped me on my grandmother's front step. What if the baby goes to a family who lives near vampires? I don't know why I didn't phase, but I can't risk that for my baby. I just can't." She smoothed her hand over her small bump.

She could still give up the baby to a family here on the rez, but I doubted that was a choice she wanted to entertain. That would be hard, knowing your baby was growing up so close to you and would never know who you were. So I didn't mention it. "Jenny, why haven't you ever come to us? To my dad? To me? We would have taken care of you. Have you had any medical care?"

Fighting tears, she shook her head. "Can't afford it. Nanna doesn't want me working, and her assistance is only enough to pay the bills and groceries. I'm in the process of moving back in with her now that Chad is gone. "

I looked at Mom over my shoulder. Anger and anguish hit me hard for her. Mom looked just as saddened. Asking a question with my eyes, she nodded the answer. I turned back to Jenny. "Listen, I'm not going to let you do this alone. I'll take you down to the Cullen place. Carlisle will look after you and the baby, alright? No charge whatsoever."

Jenny gripped my hand and shook her head. "Oh, Will, I can't-,"

"You will," I said firmly. "Period. And you'll go to him for any medical care you or your grandmother needs. For anything else, you'll come to me or my dad."

Now she let the tears go. "Thank you," she whispered.

"The pack is supposed to protect the rez. We encourage anyone to come to us if they need any form of help and we'll do what we can."

"I know," she said. She reached for a tissue on the table. "I just…I didn't want to be a bother."

"Oh, Jenny," Mom said, coming over. She sat down beside the girl and stroked a hand down her back. "Honestly, it wouldn't be a bother. Protecting the rez means helping when needed. We can't help if we don't know. And we want to help. We want you to bother us. I'm home every day. I would love for you to come talk and vent to me whenever you need to. Anybody is welcome to ask for help whether or not they have pack blood."

Jenny's lip quivered before she burst into tears. Mom wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close, tucking Jenny's head under her chin. "It's okay, sweetie. We'll get you taken care of."

Getting up, I took out my phone and called Grampa Carlisle. He said he'd be happy to see Jenny as soon as she was ready. Once she calmed down a little, Mom and I got her into the SUV and I drove them down to the house. Jenny was nervous at first. The rez knew about the Cullens because Dad had introduced Mom to them first and then the rest of the Cullens. That was why my family didn't have to move away. Although my Aunt Alice and Aunt Rosalie had gone on a trip together leaving Grama Bella and Grama Esme alone with the guys.

Mom took Jenny's hand as we all stood on the porch. "It's okay, sweetie. I'm a Cullen."

Jenny tossed her a wary look. "You don't look like a Cullen."

Mom smiled. "I'm half," she said cryptically. "It's alright. They won't hurt you. We're vegetarians; and my grandfather is the best of us. Let him take a look at you and the baby. You'll feel much better that you did."

Jenny gripped her hand. "Will you come with me?"

"Of course."

"I always thought pregnant teenagers were idiots. I guess I proved that right, huh?"

My mother's smile was gentle as she moved some hair from Jenny's face. "You're not an idiot, sweetie. Just a little misguided. But don't worry. We will get you well taken care of. I never break my promises, Jenny. Never."

"It's true," I said. "And if my mother is half Cullen, then I'm part Cullen, too. Do you trust me?"

Looking over her shoulder at me, she studied me before nodding. "Yeah. I do."

I smiled. "Then trust me when I tell that you'll be safe in there. I'll even stand guard outside the door if you want. My mom and Carlisle will be the only two in there with you. Okay?"

She nodded again. "Okay."

We went inside. Grampa Carlisle was waiting for us in the living room. Smiling, he moved slowly, coming forward to greet Jenny.

"Hi, Jenny. I'm Carlisle, or Dr. Cullen. Whichever you chose."

"Hi," she whispered.

"Jenny, I want to promise you that I will do whatever I can to make this as easy for you as possible. I've been told about your situation, and I understand the stress that you're under. This is a very safe place for both you and the baby."

She nodded and some of the tension left her body. Color was returning to her skin. It had probably been the worry and stress that had been making her feel sick.

My grandfather smiled. "Shall we?"

Nodding again, she and Mom followed him up the stairs. I was right behind them. Grampa Edward, Uncle Jasper, and Uncle Emmett were nowhere to be seen but I could hear Grama Esme in the kitchen, humming to herself. I'd say hi to her on the way out. Right now, I needed to keep a promise to someone I was supposed to protect. As we made our way up the stairs, I made a silent promise that I'd watch over her and check in on her throughout the pregnancy. She deserved nothing less.

I stood outside in the hall as the three of them disappeared into the medical room. I tried not to listen to what was going on so I continuously checked my phone. Eventually, I got lucky. Ash texted asking where Mom and I were. I told them to come down here and that I'd explain. Then I got a phone call from Chief Yates. I let it dump to voicemail. The man was not a happy camper. Clearly he wanted to rip me a new one. Oh well. I'd deal with him later.

It wasn't long until Maddox, Ash, and Jules showed up, climbing up the stairs.

Ash frowned. "What's wrong? Mom okay?"

I met them halfway down the hall. No need for Jenny to hear me. "Mom's fine, but she's in there with Carlisle and Jenny, Chad's girlfriend."

Maddox shook his head. "She's a cute girl. I really don't understand why she stayed with him."

I lowered my voice. "She's pregnant. Her parents threw her out so she had nowhere else to go. Nobody knows she's pregnant, so don't say anything even though it won't be long until she can't hide it anymore. Her grandmother can't afford the medical bills so she's never seen a doctor. Mom and I brought her down here as soon we found out. And get this, she has pack blood."

Jules gasped. "What? So that means…"

I nodded. "The baby has pack blood. She came up to the house today to tell me she knew I didn't kill Chad. She also said he was in trouble with his drug suppliers and that's what she told Yates. However, he's pissed at me because neither I nor Brayden told him about Hunter. Not that she and I were making a go of it or that she was the one he harassed that morning."

Ash met my eyes. "So you're really dating her?"

There was no judgment in his black eyes. I nodded. "Yeah. Figured it would be the best way to keep her close by."

"Did you imprint?" Maddox asked point blank and rather aggressively.

Raising my eyebrows, I looked over at him. "Don't get pissy with me. I don't have to tell you everything."

Now Maddox got angry. His eyes darkened, jaw clenched. "And when did that start? We've always been open with each other."

Crossing my arms over my chest, I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, and you're not keeping anything from us?"

An incredulous look crossed his expression as he held up his arms as if showcasing something. "And just what the hell would I be keeping from you? I've never not told you something when you asked me. Don't get all high and mighty and self-righteous on me, big brother."

Ash shifted beside me, a guilty expression flashing across his face before he smoothed it over. Hmmm.

"Shh," Jules hissed. "Keep your voice down."

Maddox just glared at me before shaking his head and moving down the hall toward the stairs. Jules shrugged when I looked at her for help. It was that shrug that said "it's up to you".

Damn. "Dox, wait," I said.

He paused and turned around, giving me an expectant look.

I moved to stand in front of him. "I won't tell you because of the tantrum you just threw but because you're my brother. And you're right. We don't keep things from each other. So the answer's yes. I imprinted on Hunter."

"And that brings the total to three who now know," Jules said sarcastically, her arms crossed.

"Four," I corrected. "Brayden knows. I told him that day on the way to see Parker."

Maddox frowned. "Why don't you tell anyone? That doesn't make sense, Will."

"Because, now more than ever, I have that feeling that something bad is happening around here, and maybe she's involved."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked, crossing his arms and frowning.

Glancing at the door, I motioned them closer to the stairs and the overhang that looked out over the living room. I stood where I could still see the door. "We don't know what killed him, but it sure as hell wasn't drug dealers." Mom had thought it best that we not tell those who hadn't phased yet the details. But my siblings deserved the truth from me, especially if we were going to run the pack together when they phased.

"How do you know?" Jules asked.

"Because drug dealers can't rip throats out. His throat was ripped out, claw marks all over his body. And they'd strung him up in the trees like a puppet."

Jules gasped, swallowed hard, and put a hand to her throat as if to protect it. Ash and Maddox shared a look and grimace.

"When I said it was bad, I meant it. Couldn't have been a mountain lion. But there weren't any scents. That's the part that's hanging us. Uncle Jasper said that Tristan's pack had found a way to hide their scent. We never figured out how."

"Maybe Uncle Caden knows," Ash suggested.

Jules shook her head. "Don't you think he would have said something when he switched sides to help Mom? And our pack?" She shook her head again. "No, he doesn't know either."

"Well, back then, they had the Volturi. Maybe they were using the gifts of one of the Guard," Maddox said. "You think they could be back? For us?"

Well that was a disturbing thought. "If that's what this is, then what is Hunter? One of their guard dogs lulling me into a false sense of security?"

"That's what happened last time. Except Uncle Caden flipped sides," Ash pointed out.

"He wasn't a guard dog," I said, remembering the story. "The Children wouldn't work with the vampires now anyway. Caius is dead for a reason and Aro locked himself in his castle after that. Besides, Aro isn't the kind to sneak. When he attacks, he does it head on with the victim fully aware."

We all shared a look.

"So you don't think this is the Volturi?" Jules asked.

I shook my head. "No. It doesn't feel like vampires. This is about something else. The other night, after we came home from the murder scene, Hunter called me. She'd seen the local news and was worried the victim was me. But she said something that's still nagging me."

"What was it?" Maddox said.

"When I told her that it had been Chad, she asked me 'do they know what did it?'. Not 'who' but 'what'. It was like she knew that whatever killed him wasn't human, and she didn't even hesitate when I told her there weren't any scents. She wasn't scared. Didn't even ask me if there was something that could do that. Someone not part of the supernatural world would have been at least wary. I mean, I know she studies myths and legends for a hobby, but still. You'd think there'd be a less than normal reaction when those myths and legends start to seem real. And either it's a really big coincidence that he dies the night of the day that he pushed himself on her, or she knows something she's not telling me."

Ash looked startled. "You think she's a suspect," he stated matter of fact.

"Not in the actual killing. She seemed genuinely surprised about seeing it on the news."

"Okay," Ash said, making a push away gesture. "Let's just think about this. If, if, she's involved, because this could still be one giant coincidence, then the question is, what is she doing here? She's the only thing we have right now to go on." He looked to me. "Will, this weekend, you need to work some serious magic on her. We're going to need answers fast. I know it must be hard because of the imprint. And I wish that it wasn't her, but-,"

I shook my head. "No, you're right. That was the whole reason I started this anyway. My imprinting has to come second behind the needs of the pack."

He nodded but I could see the pity and sympathy in his eyes.

Before I could tell them not to pity me, the door opened down the hall. Happy to be away from the conversation and their knowing expressions, I immediately moved for the room as Jenny and Mom came out. Jenny was staring in awe at a picture in her hands. Must have been an ultrasound photo.

I stopped in front of them. "So?"

Mom smiled up at me. "Everything seems perfect. The baby has a strong heartbeat."

Jenny put a hand to her stomach. "It's a boy," she whispered. "I'm having a boy."

"Congratulations," I said, grinning.

She looked up, still stunned. "I knew I was having a baby but now…it's really real."

Jules came up beside me. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now that I know he's fine," she said, rubbing her stomach. "Thank you for asking."

My sister grinned. "If you ever need to talk and don't want to go to this idiot," she said, elbowing me in the ribs, "you can come hang out with me."

"Thank you. You've all been really nice."

"Why wouldn't we be?" Ash asked from behind me.

Jenny's expression became guarded. "Chad. He was a terrible person. I tried to talk him into cleaning up, but he just wouldn't. And even that day, after you threatened him with the pack, he had a deal going down that he refused to cancel."

"Jenny," I said gently, "you do realize that it wasn't his suppliers who killed him, right?"

She took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, but that's what I told the police. I'm sticking to that story because they would have gotten him eventually anyway."

"Do you know who they were or what they looked like?" Maddox asked.

"Men I've never seen. Chad said they were from Seattle. I wouldn't recognize them if I saw them again. It was dark out and I was looking through our bedroom window."

"Wait, wait, wait," I said angrily, shaking my head. "They know where you live?"

Nodding, she took in a deep breath and sighed. "Yes. He didn't have a car so getting to Seattle would be difficult, but he had a cousin who lives there who made the connections."

I looked up to Mom, who was looking scared and worried. "We need to get a patrol set up around that house."

Eyes darting, Jenny looked between us, backing up away from us. "You think they'll come back?"

Mom looked at her. "It's a possibility. We've never had a drug problem on the rez. This is a first, and we're not going to take chances that they might come after you for any money Chad owes them. They may not even know he's dead. As far as I know, it's only been on the local channels."

Turning away, I pulled out my phone and called my cousin. When he picked up, I said, "Henry, I need you to listen to me."

"Okay. Go for it."

"I need you to put your protective detail somewhere else."

His hesitation radiated uneasiness. "Will, I can't do that without approval from Uncle Jake. You know that."

I growled in frustration. "Listen, I'll deal with Dad. Right now, we've got a pregnant female who might be in trouble. I can handle myself. Not to mention, Brayden and I are back on speaking terms. Please, Henry."

This time the silence was full or indecision. "What's the job?"

"Her name is Jenny. She was the girlfriend of the kid who died. Unfortunately, the bastard was also a drug dealer, which I'm sure you've been told. However, I just found out that his suppliers know where he lived. She was living with him before he died, so they know what she looks like."

"Okay, but what does that matter?"

"Henry, Chad owes them money…and he's dead. There's every chance they might go after her. We can't let that happen."

"Does she still live there?" I could hear the part of him that was protector start to come through. He would do this for me.

"She's moving back in with her grandmother, but that doesn't mean they won't know where to find her."

He sighed. "Alright. I'll talk to my group, but you better talk to your dad, Will. I won't get in trouble for this. Having two alphas is a bitch right now. I'm only going with this because she's pregnant."

I closed my eyes in relief. "Thank you, Henry. I'll call Dad as soon as I get off the phone with you. But could you do me another favor and put a female on her, too?"

"What? Why?"

Looking over at her, I could see the nervousness and fear in her eyes. "Because she's a female, Henry. Just do it."

"Alright, fine," he snapped. "But you know I hate putting females on security."

"Make it Aunt Morgan. She's tough enough."

He growled at me over the phone. "Will-,"

His resistance was starting to make me itch with irritation. It was insubordination and my wolf didn't like it. "Henry," I snapped, "just do what I tell you. We have females in the pack for a reason and we're going to utilize them for more than just making puppies. No more arguments. Just get it done and set up. Text me when you're ready."

I hung up. Turning around, there were six pairs of eyes on me. Grampa Carlisle had come out of the room to talk to Jenny. Now, they all stared at me, blinking in astonishment. Ignoring them, I called Dad.

"What's wrong with you?" he asked as I snapped out my greeting.

"I guess the alphaness is starting to come out. I don't like being questioned," I said, rotating my neck and shoulders trying to get rid of the tingling heat.

He chuckled. "Yeah, that's the alpha talking. So what's up?"

"I took Henry's security club off of me and gave them a new assignment."

I could practically hear my dad's confusion. "Excuse me? You did what?"

Gritting my teeth, I said, "Look, I have Brayden back on my side. I don't need the rest of them. Besides, we have a different problem." I went into the whole Jenny story one more time, and then my conversation with Henry. It was also getting irritating having to repeat myself, but I did it anyway.

When I was done, I could hear his chair creak as he let out a long, exasperated breath. "Alright. It was a good call, and I'll back it. You're doing well with the phasing, and you do have Brayden. Good job, son."

"Thanks."

"I really am proud of you, Will. You're coping so much better than I did."

"Thanks, Dad," I said again.

His chair creaked again. "Now, why don't you call Henry back to tell him?"

"Yeah sure."

"And then go phase," he ordered now. "I can hear the irritation in your voice."

"I planned on it. Promise."

"Good. Oh, and I know you have plans with Hunter next weekend, but don't make them for the whole weekend. You and I are going birthday shopping."

I frowned. "Dad, my birthday is tomorrow."

He chuckled. "I'm fully aware of the day you were born, Will. I was there on August 31st. It's just that this weekend is the bonfire, and I just figured out what I'm going to get you. But you have to go with me."

My frown deepened. He was going nuts. "Okay. I'll talk to her tonight to see what day we're going out."

"Good. Let me know."

"I will."

I hung up with him to then call Henry back. He wasn't ecstatic that Dad was supporting my orders, but he'd follow them anyway. He'd already called Aunt Morgan as I'd suggested. Apparently she'd love to help, leaving her boys with her mate so she could get a little pack action.

When I finally got off the phone with everyone, I turned to Maddox and tossed him my phone. "I need to go for a run."

He nodded in understanding.

I looked at Mom and Jenny. "The plans have been made. Don't get scared if you see wolves around your house, alright? They're there to protect you. Also, a female named Morgan will be available if you feel uncomfortable around the males."

Relief chased the surprise from her expression. "Thank you. All of you. It really means a lot."

With nothing left to say, I took off down the stairs and ran out the kitchen door. Behind one of the giant trees, I stripped and phased, feeling the muscles tighten and stretch. Man, it felt good. I shook out my coat.

"Will?"

I turned around. Grama Esme picked up my jeans and tied them to my ankle.

She smiled at me when she was done and rubbed between my eyes. "Just in case."

Leaning in, I snuffled into her hair as a thank you.

She laughed and then sent me off. "Go run, sweetie."

I took her advice and darted into the woods, knowing exactly where I was going. I didn't even have to think about it. My paws carried me through the woods, over creeks, meadows, and fallen trees. When I got down to the rez, I kept close to the edge of the woods and the beach. There were a few couples out on the hidden logs sucking face. They startled apart as I past them. But I didn't stop. I kept running until I came to a dirt driveway hidden by weeds and leaves. The only give away was the mailbox. Turning onto the dirt path, it felt like I ran forever before I came to the clearing where the small cabin was situated.

Hunter's Jeep was parked in front of it and she was getting groceries out of the back. Her blonde hair was down around her shoulders. As she bent over into the back seat, I tilted my head, watching how her jeans cupped her. Not even thinking about it, I moved out from the trees into the open and sat down to watch her. She was humming to herself and dancing a little as she moved. With two arms full of groceries, she turned around, opened her eyes and saw me.

Letting out a yelp, she dropped the bags and backed up, eyes wide. "Son of a-,"

Immediately, I ducked down, ears down, tail wagging a little. I forgot that I'd told her to be careful, that something was in the woods. And here I was, a giant ass dog staring at her. I let out a small whimper.

When she realized I wasn't attacking her, she calmed, slowly bending down to pick up the groceries. Her eyes narrowed on me as I scooted forward. "Will?"

I perked up, thumping my tail against the wet ground.

After putting the bags back in the car, she came over to me slowly, eyes wide as she studied me. "Holy crap. You're huge."

I snickered in a wolf chuckle.

She gave me a look. "You are such a guy. But honestly, I didn't think the pack wolves were so…big. No wonder natural wolves don't come around here. Good grief." When she got close enough, she hesitantly reached out. I stayed still and let her come to me. Even sitting down, I was nearly eye level with her. Her hands were soft and gentle against my fur, nails scratching the skin. It made me purr. She laughed. "Wow. This is so crazy."

Relieved that she wasn't scared of me, I licked her from chin to forehead. She pulled back, laughing and rubbing her face. "Really? That's your version of a hello kiss?" But then her eyes softened. "I suppose I should get used to it, huh?"

Yipping happily, I licked her again before darting into the woods to phase and change. I needed to kiss her with my human mouth, hold her to me with arms that could wrap around her.

"Will? Where are you going?"

Before she could climb through the foliage, I phased and pulled on my jeans.

"Wow," she said as I stepped out from the trees. "From giant wolf to hot shirtless boyfriend in- what?- five seconds. Impressive."

Chuckling, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her to me, crushing my lips to hers. I'd missed her yesterday and today, and was excited to spend the weekend with her on the cliffs. She tasted like rain and chocolate.

When I pulled back, she took a shuddering breath. "Well then, it's good to see you, too."

Smiling, I nodded toward the car. "Need some help?"

"From you? Any day."

Together, we got the groceries in the house and put up in record time.

"So how was having two days off school?"

I shrugged, putting the milk in the fridge. "Got to hang out with my mom, just the two of us. It was nice. She helped me with some of my lit."

"She seems nice. I'm actually kind of excited to meet her."

I grinned at her over my shoulder. "She's great. You'll like her. I'm really glad you'll be there this weekend. Even if my dad did have to talk you into it."

Suddenly, she gripped my arm and spun me around. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she pulled me down, crushing us together. The kiss was hot and open, catching me off guard. But I went with it anyway. I'd needed to see her since the other night with her phone call. Jumping up, she wrapped her legs around my waist, further surprising me. Her fingers dug into my hair as I wrapped my arms around her waist and moved so that I could sit her on the counter behind me. Her tongue darted out to touch mine. We both froze for a moment before a frenzied hunger had us clashing together, my fingers gripping and kneading the skin on her hips where it was bared above her jeans. Those long legs were still wrapped around me, locked over my ass. Moaning, she arched against me, her breasts rubbing over my bare chest. Her teeth came out to nip at my lips, which just turned me on even more.

God, she felt good here in my arms. I just wanted to stay right here, like this, until one or the other of us decided to take it another step forward. But I didn't. Pulling back, I broke the kiss and put my forehead to hers. For a long moment, we both just stayed quiet, relearning how to breathe.

"I'm sorry," she panted, her accent thicker.

"For what?" My hands were still gripping her hips. I just couldn't seem to let go. Didn't want to.

"I don't know. I just feel like I should apologize."

Even to my own ears, my chuckle was rough and deep. "Don't. I could seriously get used to that. But what was it for?"

Leaning back, her hand rubbing the nape of my neck, I could see her eyes stare up at me. "I've been worried about you, wanting to see you for two days and here you are."

I cupped her cheek, rubbing my thumb over the bone. "I told you, I'm fine."

Her nails teased the skin of my neck. "I know. But seeing is believing, you know."

Squeezing her waist gently, I said, "Well I'm yours this weekend and a day next weekend. Promise."

"What about the adults?"

My grin was all wolf. "Hunter, I'm turning eighteen. My parents already treat me like an adult. As long as I'm safe, they want me to have experiences. Not to mention, the adults don't stay all weekend. They'll stay the night tonight. But Saturday night and Sunday day belongs to the kids."

She gave me a heated look. "Pretty sure every kid wants your parents."

Laughing, I moved my fingers through her hair. "You're probably right."

She brought a finger up and looked at me sternly. "No sex."

I choked on my own spit. Gripping her finger, I positioned our hands so that our fingers were laced. "Sweetie, I know that. And not just because I want to wait for that perfect moment."

She frowned. "Then why not?" Her tone said that I better not be suggesting that I don't find her attractive enough to not want to sleep with her. Boy that was far off. I wanted her something fierce.

But talking about this always made me want to squirm even though sex was sex and everybody knew about it. However, the pack was a different conversation. I squeezed her hand and put her other one against my chest. "Feel my body heat?"

She nodded.

"That's everywhere. I run close to a hundred and ten. That means I can't…I can't use a condom." Dad had sat me, Ash, and Maddox down about a year ago to explain how things would work after we phased. It had been a slightly awkward conversation.

Her face went blank as she blinked at me. "I'm sorry, what?"

"Don't make me say it again," I complained.

She laughed. "You really can't…?"

I shook my head. "The latex would melt. And frankly just saying that is painful. It would hurt the female, too. Therefore, no sex until I'm sure."

Her fingertips tickled over my chest. "That's very responsible of you."

Letting out a shaky breath, I said, "Yeah, sure. But I like you, Hunter. Don't think that I don't. Especially after that kiss."

"You know, couples don't really talk about sex until a few months after they've been together."

Wrapping my arms around her, I sighed. "Yeah, well. I'm not normal. It's only fair that I'm honest with you about it."

She pressed her palms to my chest. "Well, then, I appreciate your honesty. But does that mean we can't have another make-out session? That was nice."

I laughed, feeling my chest tighten with pride. I'd never had a make-out session before so it was good to know that I wasn't a complete failure. "Nah, I think we're good on that. There's no way I can't not kiss you again."

Her hands moved up over my shoulders and into my hair. "Mmm, keep talking like that and I might decide to not give a damn about the condom thing."

She'd meant it as a joke, but I didn't laugh. I smiled a little. "That would be good for most other guys, but for me, I actually give a damn."

Her smile turned soft. "I know. That's the kind of guy you are. And that's what makes me like you so much. Most guys would take advantage of the new girl. But you've been great."

The sincerity in her voice made my chest tight with the knowledge that I wasn't just with her because of my imprint. I was with her to try to get information. If she wasn't involved in whatever was happening, I was going to have to tell her and feel guilty as all get out. No doubt she wouldn't want to be with me anymore, but I'd have to deal with that when it got here.

"Will?"

I shook myself out of my own head. "Yeah?"

"You okay?"

"Yup. Just have a lot on my plate." My hands slid down to rest over her knees.

She frowned. "Did something else happen?"

Yet again, I went into the whole Jenny thing.

Leaning back against the wall, she kicked her legs out, brushing my thighs. "Wow. Is she okay?"

I nodded. "Apparently she and the baby are okay, but the pack needs to watch out for her for now."

"I'll say. It's a good thing she came forward. Otherwise, it could have gotten bad."

"Probably." Then something occurred to me. "What time is it?"

She looked over my shoulder. "Four-thirty. Why?"

Drumming my fingers on her knees I wiggled my eyebrows. "We should probably get up to my house."

"Why?" Unfortunately, her fingers had moved forward to play on the skin of my stomach above the waistband of my jeans.

The feeling made my muscles jerk involuntarily, but I kept my voice even. "We," I said, rubbing my hands down her arms to take her hands, "have a party to get to. Pretty sure they're all setting up and have started cooking."

She gasped. "Oh my god! I totally forgot." Pushing me back, she hopped off the counter and ran out of the kitchen.

Frowning, I just stood there, wondering what just happened.

And then she popped back in. "I need a quick shower. And I might have an old shirt of my uncle's you can wear."

I looked down at myself and realized she was right. "Uh, yeah. Thanks. That's a good idea."

"Can you drive us up there or should I just ride you like a pony?"

Slowly looking up, I arched an eyebrow and blinked at her. "I'm sorry?"

She blushed and looked at the floor. "We can take my car." Then she darted off again. I chuckled and leaned against the counter, pinching the bridge of my nose, amused.

An hour later, I was driving her Jeep up to the turn off to my house in an undershirt and flannel long sleeve that had been her uncle's. Hunter was beside me, smoothing her hair down and then running her palms over her jeans. She'd thrown a bag of clothes into the back before climbing in beside me.

Reaching over, I grabbed her hand. "Nervous?"

"Little bit. I mean, at least I know Ash will be nice to me. Kind of worried about Jules and Piper."

"Don't be." I put her fingers to my lips. "I had a chat with both of them. I know you said that you wanted to handle it, but I live with them, so I kind of had to. Jules is okay, but Piper might still have some issues. Just ignore her. Stay with me tonight, and I promise nobody will bother you."

"I'm also meeting your mom."

I chuckled. "What's so wrong with that?"

She shrugged, her thumb stroking over my knuckles. "Nothing, really. It's just that I've heard moms can be protective of their baby boys. Especially if they don't like the girl."

"My mom is not like that," I said, pulling up in front of the house next to Dad's truck. "She's nice to everyone. Until, of course, someone pisses her off."

"And how would one piss her off?" she asked, staring at the front door.

"Oh you know, hurting one of us. Or someone she loves. Other than that she tries to remain objective about other people's business, including ours. She's like our stress stone. We go to her for therapy. She gives us hot chocolate, gives us encouragement, and sends us to bed. You know, the mom stuff."

Speaking of, the front door opened and my mother stepped out, holding a glass dish that held the hamburgers. She came down the porch and went to the SUV. Dad was stuffing the tents and other necessities into the back.

"Come on," I said, opening the door. When she didn't follow, I walked around and opened her door. Reaching in, I grabbed her hand and pulled her out. "Let's go."

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out and walked beside me. Her hands clutched my arm.

I tried not to grin at her cuteness as I moved toward the SUV. "Hey, Dad. You met Hunter, right?"

He moved out from the truck and turned to us, wiping his hands on his jeans. "Yeah." He grinned. "Hi, Hunter. It's good to see you again. Wasn't sure if you'd make it."

She smiled at him. "Yeah. I decided that it would be good to get out. Plus, you were right." She looked up at me. "He wouldn't have asked if he didn't want me to come."

"That is most certainly true. Will, I packed you a bag for the weekend." Mom came around to stand with Dad. Leaning forward, she held out her hand. "Hi. I'm Nessie Black."

Hunter shook her hand. "Hunter. It's lovely to meet you. Will speaks highly of you."

"Of course he does," Dad said. "He's a momma's boy."

I rolled my eyes while Hunter tried not to laugh.

"I noticed," she said.

"Uh-uh," I said, shaking my head. "Don't start that."

The three of them laughed. Great. They were bonding.

My siblings picked that moment to come out of the house as Piper and Brayden came over from around the lake. Piper's smile disappeared, turning into a mask of thinly veiled dislike. Brayden just shook his head and pulled her along with him. Jules froze for a second before bravely putting on a small smile. Ash and Maddox shared a look before following our sister down the steps.

Jules came over to us and waved awkwardly. "Hi, Hunter."

Despite my sister's threat, Hunter smiled openly. "Hi."

The only one who didn't greet her was, unsurprisingly, Piper. She just crossed her arms, pursed her lips, and glared out into the woods.

Mom and Dad shared a look that said "oh goody, teenager crap". Dad clapped and rubbed his palms together. "Shall we?"

Hunter and I shared a look. The next two nights were going to be very interesting.

---

Sooooo, what do we think? More drama this chapter. So it's starting! I don't foresee Jenny as a big character. She might get mentioned, but nothing huge. Please tell me what you think?! Love y'all! xoxoxoxoxoxo