Chapter 4

Natalie smiled when she saw Josh emerge from the forest, but her smile faded when she realized he was naked.

"Did you phase unexpectedly," she asked and he sighed.

"Yea, very unexpectedly."

"Where have you been? What happened? I was waiting for you after my shower, but figured you had to go see the pack or something. Did something happen with Colt? I know you two have clashed in the past."

"It wasn't Colt. Well, not really. It was Evan," he admitted and she frowned in confusion.

"Wait, I thought you liked Evan. Are you okay? You aren't hurt, are you," she asked as she ran her hands over his chest.

"No, I am not hurt, but Evan is. I don't know what happened. I just saw red and I wasn't thinking. I was just lashing out and the next thing I know, he is on the ground in a heap. This is bad, Nat. His arm is really messed up. He hates me and so does the pack," he said as tears filled his eyes again. She pulled him in for a hug and he sobbed as he replayed the turn of events in his head. Zach and Allie arrived and Zach marched over to Josh.

"How could you do that to Evan," asked Zach and Allie placed a hand on her mate's heaving chest.

"Zach, calm down. I am sure Josh had a good reason," tried Allie as Josh looked down.

"It just happened. I got pissed and we were yelling at each other. Evan attacked me first, but I could have stopped it. I should have stopped it."

"Look J, you are my best friend and I will stand by you through anything, but this is messed up! Colt, I can understand. The guy has had it out for us since the beginning, but Evan? Oh, grandma is going to be pissed," said Zach as his eyes widened.

"I know, alright? I don't need you to remind me," shouted Josh.

"You just attacked one of her favorite people! Obviously he isn't her favorite. That's me, but still," shrieked Zach and Natalie stepped in between them.

"Alright, enough piling on, Zach. How about you two go inside while I speak with my mate," suggested Natalie and Allie grabbed Zach's hand.

"Come on," she urged and Zach followed his mate inside.

"Z is right though. I really screwed up," said Josh and Natalie stroked his hair.

"Okay, start from the beginning. How did this happen?"

"When Colt was here, he told me that Callista is making Evan sneak around with her."

"How can she make him do that? I didn't think Callista had a power. She sure as hell didn't use it when I was fighting her." Emmett, Jacob, and Leah pulled into the driveway and Josh groaned as his mother marched over to him.

"She doesn't have one and she can't make him do anything, which is why Joshua William Black, you are in big trouble," yelled Leah and Josh winced. Jacob smiled sympathetically at Natalie.

"Can we have a moment with our son please," asked Jacob. Emmett motioned for Zach and Allie to follow him as they walked out of the house.

"Alright you three, let's catch up with Seth and Kaya. They are running patrols," instructed Emmett and Natalie kissed Josh's cheek.

"Good luck," she whispered before following Emmett, Zach, and Allie toward the forest and Leah smirked.

"Oh, you are going to need it. What the hell were you thinking," shouted Leah.

"Mom, this isn't my fault. Callista is the one still trying to use and manipulate people. She doesn't care who she hurts. This is what she does. She uses her body to get what she wants and she wants the power and connections of our family and the Cullens. She did it to me and now Evan."

"That is such a copout! I thought I raised you better than that," scolded Leah.

"You know her history, mom!"

"I know that you were so desperate to find a mate that you thought with a certain body part, but not your head. Even if she is playing with Evan's emotions, that doesn't explain why your first response was to shatter his arm into a million pieces!"

"Things got out of hand. I don't know what happened. One second we are arguing and the next, I was throwing him," admitted Josh and Jacob sighed.

"I know what happened because it happens with wolves all the time. You lost your cool and it escalated. It can escalate so quickly. It is like your body is on fire and you can't control it. Every issue you have ever had, every insecurity, it boils to the surface and you are so angry. You want it all to go away, but it is like you blink and someone is hurt. I get it, Josh, but that doesn't make it okay. You attacked a friend tonight over a woman," reminded Jacob.

"And now you are blaming that woman for what you did. Maybe Callista is a seductress. She certainly has a way of pressing my buttons, so I understand the urge to fight, but you have to take responsibility for what you did. Callista was not there tonight. You were," said Leah as she cupped her son's cheek and he slowly nodded, knowing that his mother was right.

Sam could feel his dread heighten as he and Esme walked onto the porch of Embry and Faye's home. Embry hurried to the door and he gulped when he saw Sam's expression.

"I knew something was going to happen. It always does with the pack. Is Evan okay," asked Embry and Esme winced as Faye came to the door.

"Where is Evan," asked Faye and Sam cleared his throat.

"There was an incident. He is going to be okay, but he is injured pretty badly. Carlisle is tending to him now," confessed Sam and Faye gasped.

"Oh my God, what happened? Where is my son? Is he at the hospital? Tell me," demanded Faye. Sam glanced over at Esme, who spoke up.

"It wouldn't be best for him to be at a hospital. They wouldn't know how to deal with his anatomy. His ability to rapidly heal is a benefit, but it has to be handled cautiously. He broke his arm and some ribs, but you know Carlisle is the best. Evan will be okay," assured Esme.

"This is why I never wanted him involved with these people, Embry!"

"Faye, please try to calm down. I am worried too, but…." Faye ignored her husband as she turned her anger toward Esme.

"I know you care about my son. You have made it perfectly clear that you want him to be a part of your family, but you need to go meddle with your own kids that you condemned to that life," shouted Faye.

"Faye, stop! You are angry and you know I get it, but standing here and hurling insults at Esme isn't going to make Evan better. Go get ready so we can check on our son," suggested Embry and Faye glared at Esme, but headed back inside.

"I am sorry about that," said Embry and Esme waved him off.

"Her son is hurt and I am an easy target. I get it," replied Esme.

"Thanks for understanding. We will be right out," said Embry and Sam smiled sympathetically at Esme.

"You didn't deserve that. Evan is in my pack and my responsibility. I knew she would lash out, but I thought it would be at me. She has a temper. It is ironic that even with the gene, Embry is the calm one," teased Sam and Esme giggled.

"Well, unfortunately, Faye is the least of our worries."

"Right, Callista, I could sense the change in Evan, but I had no clue it was because of her."

"She isn't like our family, Sam. She won't follow the treaty or care about the tribe. She will try to kill anyone that gets in her way once she finds out about Evan, human or not."

"Well, we have been in worse scenarios," he reminded and she winked at him.

"True and at least this time we are on the same side, alpha. That is always nice." He chuckled.

"I am never going to live that one down, am I?"

"Which one," she teased and he guffawed.

"Hey, I am not taking credit for the first time. Jacob started all of that," he defended and Esme laughed at his exasperated expression.

By the time Edward, Bella, Renesmee, Nahuel, Alice, and Jasper arrived with Connell and Tia, the Cullen House in Forks was in a frenzy. Connell cringed as he heard Faye inside screaming at her husband for not telling her about Callista.

"That's the muppet that isn't a fan of vampires, correct? Maybe we will stay out here," suggested Connell and Alice nudged him.

"Be nice, she is just overwhelmed. It must be difficult to be a human around so many supernatural beings," defended Alice.

"But she married a pup. Did she not expect to have a pup," asked Connell and Edward chuckled.

"I wouldn't call them that in front of her. In fact, maybe you should stay out here until things cool down. Your mouth tends to get you in trouble," said Edward and Connell jutted his chin out.

"Does not, I will be just fine. Come on, Tia," said Connell as he entered the house and Alice shook her head in amusement. Renesmee and Nahuel were greeted by Kaya and Seth when they entered the house and the four of them whispered about everything that was going on. Edward stopped Bella before she could go upstairs to check on Evan.

"What's wrong," she questioned and Edward glanced at Alice.

"Let's just give Carlisle a moment. He is finishing up," he said cryptically and Bella eyed him suspiciously, but agreed.

Carlisle watched his mate as she stroked Evan's hair. She scanned over Evan's face to make sure he was asleep.

"Is he in any pain," she asked and Carlisle shook his head.

"No, the morphine has kicked in. We should let him get his rest. I will be in the study," said Carlisle before exiting and she frowned in confusion at his demeanor. She followed her husband into the study, sensing his anger.

"What is it," she questioned as she closed the door and walked over to him.

"You have no clue how much danger you could have been in tonight. You should have told me the severity of the situation," he whispered.

"No one could have guessed this would have happened."

"Esme, they are wolves. Everyone could have guessed this would have happened. What if Evan phased when Colt first challenged him in front of you? You would have tried to stop their fighting and could have ended up harmed by one of them." Esme wrapped her arms around him and he relaxed under her touch as she pulled him closer.

"My love, I am not a novice. I can defend myself if need be, but I made sure it did not come to that."

"You are my mate. It doesn't matter if you can defend yourself. I don't like that you were in a position to have to. You know I hate violence, but when we fight, we fight together for a reason. Do you really not know what would happen to me or this family if anything happened to you," he asked as he gazed lovingly into her eyes and she smiled.

"You are right and I am sorry. I was thinking about Evan's happiness, but I still should have kept you informed once the situation grew tense."

"I want Evan to be happy as well. I wish it did not have to come to this," said Carlisle as he hugged her. Alice, Edward, Bella, Rosalie, Jasper, Emmett, Connell, and Tia entered the study and Esme smiled warmly at them. Alice hugged her mother.

"I feel horrible about this. By the time I started to piece it together, it was too late. I know you are fine, but I still hate that you were even near Colt when he lost his temper. Renesmee, Nahuel, Seth, and Kaya agreed to go patrol just in case Callista comes looking for Evan," explained Alice.

"The pack is going to want to see Evan when he wakes up," added Edward.

"Leah and Jake have arrived with Josh and Natalie. Zach and Allie are downstairs with them. I think they should stay close until all of this is resolved," said Rosalie.

"How exactly can this get resolved? Callista is going to be furious and her previous relationship with Josh will add to it," said Bella and Connell nodded in agreement.

"May I make a suggestion? I encountered issues with mates during my time with The Guard. It is important to isolate the mate and try to reason with them in this case. If Evan was dead….."

"Please do not even entertain that thought," said Esme and Connell bowed his head.

"I apologize. I just meant that in other cases, when a mate is killed, the only way to stop their mate from seeking revenge is to end them. In this case, Callista should be able to see reason as long as she is calmed down before she encounters Josh," explained Connell.

"Then it is a good thing we are here. Connell should be able to isolate her effortlessly," added Tia and Jasper nodded.

"We should also think about the humans in the region. She is going to come for Evan if she senses any danger. The mate bond will call to her soon and if she cannot find him, she will not care who is in her way. She will do whatever it takes to get to him," informed Jasper.

"We need to lure her away from town. Evan is stable enough to transport to the island," agreed Carlisle.

"Faye is an emotional wreck at the moment. She isn't going to let Evan out of her sight and I doubt she is going to let us take him out of town," warned Jasper.

"I should speak with her," suggested Esme, but Carlisle quickly shook his head.

"My love, I know you mean well, but she is not in the right mindset…."

"Carlisle, we are both mothers. I can get through to her," assured Esme. Carlisle glanced at Edward and Alice. They both nodded and Carlisle hugged his wife.

"Fine," he conceded and Esme kissed him sweetly before going to speak with Faye.

Faye placed her face in her hands as she sat outside on the front porch. Embry decided to give her some space while she calmed her nerves. She heard the front door open and was surprised to see Esme join her on the porch swing. Faye shook her head in disbelief.

"How did any of this even happen? Wolves shouldn't even be able to imprint on vampires. They have sworn to protect their land from them, but they can fall in love with one?"

"Imprinting has always been complicated and I will admit that I still do not truly understand it. When Jacob imprinted on Renesmee, I was baffled. Then Seth imprinted on Kaya and I assumed it was not nearly as selective as once believed."

"He didn't even tell me though. I am his mother and you knew before I did. What does that say about the way he sees me? I don't even know why I am asking you. You probably think I am horrible," grumbled Faye.

"We have been over this before. I understand where you are coming from. I am a vampire and I still am caught off guard by the predicaments my family finds itself in. Evan didn't want anyone to know. He was surprised by how it happened and he didn't want to tell anyone for sure until he knew what to expect. I was there when it happened."

"Of course you were," smirked Faye and Esme sighed.

"Your jealousy and pride are the least of my concerns right now. Evan is hurt and I will always feel responsible for him. I will not apologize for trying to make sure he is happy, but I am sorry you were blindsided by all of this. No mother deserves that, but we have a bigger problem to deal with."

"My son is burning up at temperatures that could kill most people because he needs to regenerate after another wolf attacked him. What could possibly be more of a concern than that?"

"Your future daughter-in-law," quipped Esme in a matter of fact tone. Emmett and Zach's booming laughs echoed through the house. Faye's jaw dropped, but no words would follow. She was speechless and Esme smiled sheepishly.

"I apologize. It seems one of my sons' senses of humor is rubbing off on me. He makes inappropriate jokes when things are too tense."

"Emmett, right? Evan thinks he is a cool dad, which irked Embry at first. I know a lot about your family. Evan talks about all of you, especially you. You are the mother he has always wanted."

"That isn't true."

"I want to be okay with all of this. It may not seem like it, but I am trying. It just seems like when I think I have a handle on something, another twist occurs. I just started to accept that he is a wolf and now he has imprinted. I don't know how to handle all of this."

"You don't have to handle all of it. You just have to be his mother. That is all he wants. He loves you very much."

"I loved him since the day I found out Embry and I were going to have him. He is the best part of me, even though at times I don't show it very well. How do you deal with all of this?"

"I have centuries of practice and a memory that, while faded, will always linger in my heart. I know what it is like to lose a child, so I promised myself that I would make the most of it when given the chance to have a big family. It is bigger than I could have ever imagined and I am amazed by how wonderful each and every member of it is. Evan will always have a place in this family, but he will always be your son. You have raised an amazing young man."

"He is pretty amazing, isn't he," said Faye with a smile and Esme nodded.

"Yes, which is why he has won Callista's heart."

"Callista, how am I supposed to deal with her? Where is she from? How old is she? Is she older than me?" Esme giggled.

"No, she is older than Evan, but not your age. In her mind, they are mates and when she finds out that her mate is hurt, she will want revenge. She will try to kill Josh and that will not be allowed. At the same time, we can't allow for harm to come to her as well because that would hurt Evan."

"It all sounds very complicated."

"It is," agreed Esme.

"Is your life always this complicated?"

"Yes, but in my defense, the Quileute side of the supernatural world is making this more complicated than my side. Imprinting is still a bit out of my realm," admitted Esme.

"Well, imprinting is something I have experience with. Embry and I met at a party that one of my friends hosted. The moment our eyes met, I knew he was the one. I dismissed it as what you see in romantic movies, but it was way too intense to just be that. I fell in love and I was happy to start a life with him. I never wanted my son to have to go through this though."

"True, but Evan is happy and as mothers, we always want is best for our children."

"And this Callista woman is what is best for him," questioned Faye and Esme sighed as she nodded.

"You tell me. You were imprinted on. You already have that in common with her," teased Esme.

"So, what happens now? I have no clue what to do and don't even know if I can help."

"Well, then let me help. When you feel like you are out of your realm, let me help when I can," suggested Esme and Faye was silent for a moment. She took in a deep breath and turned to Esme.

"Esme, an argument over a woman has resulted in my son having to regenerate his body to heal and now that woman is ready to go on a rampage to avenge him. I think I am out of my realm and could use your help."

"I will make sure it is taken care of," promised Esme and Faye sighed in relief.

"Thank you. He is my only child and I want to make sure he is always safe." Esme stood up and smiled at Faye.

"I will make sure this is handled and you can start planning the wedding," said Esme and Faye threw up her hands in exasperation.

"Seriously," asked Faye as Emmett and Zach laughed inside the house. Esme giggled and winked at her.

"Kidding, just kidding," giggled Esme as she went back inside and Embry came outside to check on his wife. Faye hugged him and Embry held her close as they waited for Evan to wake up.

Esme entered the study where Alice, Jasper, Edward, Bella, Connell, and Tia were waiting for her. Alice clapped happily.

"Carlisle, Rosalie, and Emmett are keeping an eye on Evan while we carry out the plan. If I wouldn't have seen it, I wouldn't have believed it. Wait, Connell, go get Renesmee and Nahuel, please," said Alice and Connell disappeared from the room. He returned with Renesmee and Nahuel, who were both frowning in confusion.

"A simple hello would be nice before you snatch people," warned Nahuel and Connell shrugged.

"You're fine," said Connell as Renesmee and Nahuel rolled their eyes. Alice clapped even more.

"Okay, Esme, now, you can say it," said Alice and Edward shook his head in amusement at his sister.

"While technically, it does not involve us, we must intervene to make sure things do not get out of hand. For that reason, I am trusting that Alice and Edward know my wishes and will help resolve this matter while the rest of us tend to Evan," informed Esme.

"Now, say it, say the words please, oh, please, Esme, say it," begged Alice and Esme smiled at her daughter.

"Alice, by all means, go meddle," instructed Esme and Alice squealed with delight as she skipped around the room.

"Within reason," added Esme and Edward chuckled.

"You probably should have led with that," teased Edward and Esme grabbed Alice's hand.

"Alice, within reason," warned Esme and Alice happily nodded.

"Of course, Esme," giggled Alice before kissing Esme's cheek.

"Alright, Connell, we need to head to Sequim to stop this crazed mate from terrorizing Forks and La Push," announced Alice and Renesmee's eyes widened.

"We, why did she just say we," asked Renesmee and Nahuel gulped.

"Can we opt out of this scenario if….." Alice interrupted Nahuel.

"Nonsense, it is part of the plan! Let's go, Connell," instructed Alice and Connell gave a nod.

"Wait, what plan, where are…" Before Renesmee could finish, she was in a wooden cabin. Callista dropped the book she was reading and crouched down defensively in the living room as they turned to face her. Alice threw up her hands in frustration.

"I mean really, Connell! What part of knocking is proper etiquette do you not understand? I meant outside of the cabin," scolded Alice, but Connell shook his head.

"You didn't clarify and I am not a mind reader. That is Edward's department, you little leprechaun!"

"Um, Alice," tried Edward, but she ignored him.

"I hate when you call me that," shouted Alice.

"Alice," tried Bella.

"And I hate when you order me around," argued Connell. Callista gritted her teeth.

"Why are you here? How did you even know I was here? Oh no, it's Evan. What has happened to Evan," panicked Callista.

"When I was in The Guard, I didn't have to worry about this lack of planning. Alexander was a great leader," argued Connell and Tia groaned.

"Can we not do this right now," asked Tia and Nahuel nudged Jasper as Callista let out a hiss.

"He is hurt, isn't he? Who did it? I will kill them," shrieked Callista.

"Do something, Jasper," whispered Nahuel and Jasper gulped.

"I am trying, but subduing a mate is a bit more difficult. If I hit her full force, she will be even more enraged once everything is said and done," whispered Jasper.

"Oh this plan is just amazing," grumbled Bella as Callista stalked toward them.

"If any of you had anything to do with…" Before she could finish, Renesmee touched her temple and flooded her mind with images. Callista crumbled to the ground and Renesmee shrugged.

"I guess that's why we were needed," said Renesmee to Nahuel and he kissed her adoringly. Alice clapped happily.

"It is all working out," announced Alice and Bella looked at her sister incredulously.

"So this was your plan from the beginning? Invade her privacy, infuriate her, and then have my daughter bombard her mind," asked Bella and Alice shrugged.

"Oh no, I only planned Renesmee's part. The rest was just fun," she confessed and Nahuel rolled his eyes.

"Unbelievable," said Nahuel.

"Alright, let's head to the island," instructed Alice and Connell jutted his chin out.

"I don't remember you asking nicely," said Connell and everyone groaned.

"Can we do this after we kidnap Evan's imprint and probably break a hundred laws," asked Bella and Connell thought for a moment.

"Actually, the only laws we are bound by are enforced by the Volturi and I distinctly remember them not including kidnapping. I checked once. As long as the kidnapping doesn't include exposing your supernatural side to a human, all is well," informed Connell.

"That seems like a really big loophole," said Nahuel and Connell shrugged.

"It has kept me out of trouble plenty of times, if I do say so myself," laughed Connell and everyone but Tia eyed him skeptically. Tia giggled at her mate and Renesmee laughed nervously.

"Oh, I get it. He was joking," said Renesmee, but Tia shook her head.

"You would think so, but no. Anyways, come on, Connell. She is starting to regain composure," urged Tia and Connell teleported them to the island. Renesmee and Nahuel sighed in relief as they realized they were on the dock and Alice clapped.

"Mission accomplished," announced Alice.

"Was it," asked Bella and Alice nudged her. Connell patted Renesmee on the back.

"Good work, wee one's niece," he complimented. Renesmee and Nahuel shook their heads in amusement.

"And they wonder why we hide out in our cottage," whispered Renesmee as Nahuel nodded in agreement.