I was running through a field of ice covered flowers, snow falling heavily upon the ground. My breath came out as fogged puffs in the frigid air, staying in their place for minutes before disappearing. A light shone brightly across the clearing, just past the distant trees, yet it felt like I was running in place. There was a figure standing there, shadowed by the brightness, with their face turned to me. Dark, crisp golden eyes were the only thing visible – like a vampire. But…it didn't look like Edward…no, it wasn't Edward. No matter what I did my body wouldn't stop, my legs kept pounding through the grass. It shattered upon contact, making a clear but painful path for my feet. One last look from those hard eyes and, suddenly, the figure was gone.

"Jacob...Jacob, wake up" someone whispered above me, a slight shake jarring my once sleeping form. Jaspers face came into view slowly as I narrowed my eyes against the harsh florescent light. After taking a glance through the front window, and seeing nothing but the black sky, I assessed that it was still nighttime.

"Mm, what is it?" I asked, yawning immediately afterward. It better have been something important…

"There's someone outside to see you" he stated, standing up from his current sitting position on the edge of the couch.

Instantly I was up and to the door, pulling it open and coming face to face with…nothing. It was all darkness. I arched an eyebrow, turning to look at Jasper again.

"I don't see anything."

He chuckled, pushing my back lightly, "That's because you actually have to go out."

Moving away and out to the humid mid-morning air I glanced around, letting my eyes adjust to having no color whatsoever. The sound of gravel being shuffled made me on my guard, turning in a circle. Maybe Jasper had tricked me and Emmett was about to jump out and scare me or something…

Then, my ears caught another sound, this one much quieter. It was a whimper, coming from right in front of me. I reached out tentatively, fingertips brushing against something wet and cold. A small lick followed and I automatically knew who it was.

"Seth?"

There was a quiet bark before I found my back on the hard driveway, wet licks being placed all over my face. Pushing his chest gently I laughed, finally being able to see him completely.

"Okay, okay get off!" I chocked out, not being able to get a word in because of his heavy paw against chest. His tail was wagging a hundred miles and hour as I stood, dusting off my pants before looking at him.

"Man, it's been so long" he said, shifting to human form in the blink of an eye. I smiled, pulling him into a real hug, not at all disgusted by the fact that he was naked. This kid was like my little brother, afterall.

"Too long…yet, I gotta ask – how'd you know where I was?"

A sheepish grin passed over his face as he pointed to the house.

"One of the Cullens came and got me tonight, as I was patrolling. At first I was worried something bad happened, but then he assured me everything was okay. Just thought you'd be lonely without a friend, ya know" he explained.

My jaw hung slightly open at that, and I just couldn't help but wonder who did it.

"Can you describe them to me?" I asked, hopeful that he'd have some details.

A quick shake of the head 'No' answered that and I sighed.

"Well I'll find out later, for sure. How's the pack?"

Seth let out a huff, crossing his arms over his chest.

"It's bad Jake, real bad."

"What's made it so bad? Sam and his premenstrual cycle again?" I joked, smiling internally as he laughed.

"No, not that, although it's still going on…it all happened after you left."

"Me? Why?"

"Everyone was so surprised, Sam and Paul were furious, it's a long story. Basically they're fighting over the alpha placement since you're not there anymore, Jake."

"It's fine with me. Either of them can have it, I'm done with the pack."

He seemed to get sullen sounding after that comment, sadness evident.

"But I want you to come back…"

That brought on another sigh.

"Look Seth, I know. I miss you, and Leah, and Embry, and Quill, and my dad – especially my dad – but there's not much I can do. If I go back to La Push I'll be treated as an outcast, a wimp who ran away from his duty, and that's what they'll all say. So it's a done deal, I'm staying here with the Cullens."

"Billy was sad when you didn't come home that night, or the next day, and he even had half the town of Forks looking for you, along with our tribe. He thinks you left because of something he did."

A pang of guilt ran through my heart, causing it to lightly skip a beat before getting back to original rhythm. The last thing I wanted was to have my dad be hurt by the situation but, if I told him the truth, he'd never speak to me again. Ever.

"I don't have a choice here, buddy. I really don't, no matter how hard I wish it. My fate was sealed the minute I agreed to come here. There's really no going back" – and that was the hard truth I was dealt. Not being able to return to the place I was born, the place that my life had changed forever, all for a chance to help people – once enemies – in desperate need. It sucked being a good person…

"So you won't consider it? After all we've helped you with, you're not even gonna think about it? Guess Sam was right when he said you'd let people down…"

As soon as he looked down at his feet I put a finger under his chin, lifting his head back up.

"I'm sorry." That was honestly the best I could say at that moment

Backing up slowly I kept my hand slightly outstretched, not seeing Seth move one inch.

"I'm sorry…" was the last thing I uttered before turning and going back in the house, slamming the door and leaning against its wooden surface. My knees gave out at that moment, sending me down to the floor. Breathing was becoming increasingly difficult as I replayed all that he had said. I was missed…my dad thought it was his fault…people were furious…I was an outcast…all of it came slamming back into my face. Reality, at times, was a bitch. But little did I know – that'd be the last time I saw Seth alive…

Attempting to stand, I clung onto the railing going up the stairs. Jasper was out of his room the minute he saw me coming, with concern coursing through his expression.

"What's wrong, are you alright?" he frantically asked, taking one arm over his shoulder to help support. I nodded, still not being able to breath at the amount of guilt pushing my lungs. He gently helped me sit back down on the bed, blurring and reappearing with a glass of water. I drank it down quickly, being careful not to spill any, and set the cup on the end table.

"So what happened?"

I'm not wanted in my own home…that's what…I felt like saying, instead taking a lighter course to the answer.

"Seth just came to tell me that…people were worried. And mad. It was to be expected; afterall…I left my home, my family, and my friends – all of it."

Jasper was quiet, finding apparent interest in his hands as the room turned silent.

"I-I'm sorry" he stated, pained eyes locking with mine.

"That's what I said, too" I commented, putting my head in my hands.

As soon as my eyes were shut I felt strong, stone like arms wrap around my back. Jasper was…hugging me? A strong wave of anger, guilt, and depression hit me like a tidal wave, and it wasn't long before I was doing the same, both of us falling to the floor and just staying there. I didn't usually cry, only rare few times, but right now my pride could kiss my ass. Jasper was letting me get it all out; letting me lightly hit his chest as I thought about how alone I truly was now. Sure, I had the Cullens. I had vampires. But not my own blood pack and nothing could replace that. Jacob Black…the reject.

It felt like forever when the tears finally stopped falling, but I stayed in that position with him. Having some comfort, some sympathy from a close friend, was a thing that I needed. The best part about it was that I knew Jasper would never judge me, he'd never use this against me…And if anyone called me a crybaby, anybody, I'd punch their face in.

"One hand can heal another, Jacob" he whispered, close to my ear. I let my forehead fall against his shoulder, sniffing.

"You and your damn analogies…" I quietly laughed out.

He followed suit, "I always thought they were quite pleasant."

"They are…" More than you'll ever know.

Edward's POV:

My chest stung as I listened to Jasper and Jacob talking from outside the window. What they were saying…was it all true? Did he really get kicked out of his own home? That made me wish I would have been listening when Seth arrived instead of going to hunt Elk, staying out of the way. The way Jasper had willingly and immediately put his arms around Jacob's shoulders without any regret or thought of punishment was truly awe inspiring, because I knew I would never be capable of doing it. I knew that no matter what – I'd be on the outside looking in. But at least he could be there for him…to heal his pain when needed. I sighed, running a hand through my tangled locks of hair, feeling them become damp with the morning air.

Why did I care so much what the Volturi thought? What ever other member of our kind, aside from my family, thought? It all made no sense. Yet, my pride wouldn't let me act on my own. It kept saying 'No, you need to forget about him'. How could I when he's living in our house…I thought while smirking.

Even though my mind screamed to stop, to listen to my conscious as usual, I blatantly ignored it – walking with a fast pace inside and to the staircase. Today would be the day I'd tell Jacob everything that's going on….

…Maybe.