Chapter 4

Caleb was naked in a crumpled heap on the forest floor. He could feel his leg and ribs slowly starting to heal, but they ached painfully nonetheless. He looked around the forest as drizzling rain trickled down the trees and clouds rolled overhead. Sitting up slowly, he rested his head against a tree and closed his eyes as he nursed his ribs.

"I bet you are wondering how things got so out of control," called a tinkling voice that startled him. He winced and looked around until he saw the vampire the voice belonged to.

"You two come to kill me," he asked in a shaky voice even though he tried to veil his fear. Alice leapt over a fallen log and pranced over to him. He scooted away from her and Rosalie rolled her eyes as she sauntered over as well.

"Please, killing you would do nothing for us. Unlike you, we think about the consequences of our actions," said Rosalie and Alice knelt down in front him. His eyes widened when she held out a pair of khaki shorts.

"Do not, I repeat, do not tear these shorts Caleb Uley. They are designer. Now cover up, no one wants to see you naked," she informed as she tossed them to him. They turned around as he managed to slip them on with great difficulty. Alice smiled in satisfaction when she turned back around, but he glared at her.

"Why are you helping me," he asked and she scoffed.

"You really are annoying you know? I am trying to do you a favor and warn you. You should know my power by now."

"Yea, I know who you are. Alice Cullen, the leech who can see the future, except for when wolves like me are around." Rosalie crossed her arms and gave him a look that made him gulp.

"Tell me again why we are helping him," said Rosalie as Caleb tried to not look into her eyes. He feared her, but was also intrigued by her beauty. Alice giggled as a conflicted expression took over his face.

"Because he is a fool, but doesn't deserve to die, which will happen if he doesn't listen to us right now before Jacob, Edward, and Nahuel arrive," explained Alice and Caleb gulped again.

"They are coming for me aren't they? Well….that's fine. They might as well kill me like they killed Paul. All of you are nothing but murderers!" Rosalie knelt down in front of him with a wicked grin.

"If that were true, you would be dead by now. All it would take is one little flick of the wrist and you would be put out of your misery."

"Rose, that is not helping," scolded Alice and Rosalie huffed in annoyance.

"Well the boy needs to be put in his place and…."

"We do not have time for this. Look Caleb, you have two choices. You can either overcome your anger, so you can listen to what Edward, Nahuel, and Jacob have to say or you can die. Yes, those are the only two choices you have. Yes, I can read your future because I have overcome that pesky wolf blindness issue and yes, Jacob will be the one to kill you if you try to attack. The choice is yours, so make it quickly and help clear up your future for me. All of these paths are quite annoying. You have no clue how frustrating it is to have to rely on you to make a decision in order to know what happens next."

"Funny how she always manages to make it about her isn't it," asked Rosalie as Alice stuck her tongue out at her. Rosalie giggled at her sister and Caleb was confused by their interaction. Alice smiled at him as she stood up and gave him a wink.

"We have to go, but remember, those khakis are designer. Oh and here is another pair, you'll know what to do with them." With that, the two of them blurred in the direction of La Push and Caleb sat there in stunned silence for a moment. He did not have much time to mull over Alice's words though. His ears picked up the pitter patter of feet racing closer and he slowly made it to his feet, testing out his leg in the process, as Edward appeared. He snickered as he read Caleb's thoughts.

"She is always that pushy. I hope you took her words seriously," said Edward. Jacob and Nahuel caught up with him a couple of seconds later and Caleb took in a shaky breath as Jacob stalked toward him.

"Wait," shouted Caleb before wincing in pain. He held his ribs as a sharpness stabbed at his side and Jacob halted his movements. Edward placed a hand on Jacob's back and gave him a warning glare.

"Give him a chance Jake. There has been a change within him," informed Edward. Nahuel shrugged as he stalked toward Caleb.

"Doesn't change what he tried to do to my mate."

"I know that, but killing him will not help the situation. We have to think about the treaty," said Edward.

"The treaty became null and void the moment he attacked my mate. He dug his own grave and broke pack law. His death would be justified."

"Justified on a technicality, but not right, Jake, Nahuel, I have a proposition for him and if he agrees, then he gets to live."

"I like that option," said Caleb and Jacob growled, effectively silencing him. Nahuel clenched his jaw, but nodded his agreement to Edward.

"Good, now Caleb, I know you think you understand what transpired years ago, but you don't. You don't understand a lot of things, including what is happening to you. This isn't you. You know that. You have never felt this angry before, never felt this out of control and bitter. It is the wolf side of you trying to take over. You have to learn to control it or it will consume you. You can't do that by yourself, none of the wolves have ever been able to and you are no different. You need guidance, so if you are willing to speak with Sam and hear him out, then we will spare you. If not….."

"I die," said Caleb as Edward smirked.

"Precisely, the choice is yours though, so what will it be," questioned Edward. Caleb looked at Nahuel, Jacob, and Edward, and then down at his leg, which was starting to become more stable. His breathing was not as labored as well and the pain began to cease.

"Talking to Sam wouldn't be such a bad idea," he agreed and Jacob galloped into the brush as Nahuel cursed under his breath. Edward hid his smile as he read Nahuel's thoughts. A part of him was relieved the boy came to his senses, but the primal mate inside of him wanted him to bring on his own demise. Jacob emerged in human form, completely naked and Caleb looked down at the spare shorts in his hand.

"I think these are for you," he said before tossing the cargo shorts to Jacob. Jacob looked at him curiously and Edward shrugged.

"The meddling pixie paid him a visit before we arrived," explained Edward and Nahuel chuckled.

"Of course she did," grumbled Nahuel. Jacob slipped on the shorts and approached Caleb with a menacing glare. Caleb took a step back, but Jacob grabbed his arm. Their eyes locked and Caleb cowered under his stare.

"You're just a kid who got into more trouble than he bargained for, I get that. It has happened to all of us. I know you didn't ask to be a wolf, but let me make myself clear. If you ever go after Renesmee again, I will tear you from limb to limb, understood?" Caleb quickly nodded.

"Yes sir." Before Caleb could react, Jacob popped him upside the back of his head and he flinched.

"Ouch, what was that for! I said yes sir," he exclaimed as he rubbed the spot and Jacob smirked.

"That was for being an idiot and almost getting yourself killed. Trying to take on an alpha is stupid, trying to take on an alpha, his imprint, and a group of vampires is suicide. Now come on, I'm taking you to Sam so he can deal with you. How do your injuries feel? Can you phase?"

"I think so."

"Good because it would take forever to go back in human form, come on." Caleb looked at Jacob curiously as he walked toward the brush and took back off the shorts. He tossed them to Edward before transforming and Edward rolled his eyes.

"I guess this means I am coming with you. You better listen to Alice. Those shorts are designer. Sam will teach you how to not ruin all your clothes and how to transform efficiently," explained Edward. Caleb took off the shorts and tossed them to Edward before following Jacob. He phased and Edward shook his head with a small smile.

"The kid has a lot to learn," he mumbled and Nahuel smirked.

"Yea, like not to go after my mate. I still want to hurt him. Can't I just….."

"No, he's been through enough for now. Let it go. He attacked my mate and daughter too, but his death would strain our relationship with the Quileutes and we do not need that. Are you coming with us?"

"I'll pass. We should all probably head back to the island before anyone else tries to kill us. At the moment, I just want to get Renesmee far away from this place."

"Understood, ask Bella to meet me at Charlie and Sue's, and we will meet the rest of you at home." Nahuel nodded before running toward Jacob and Leah's house and Edward sprinted to catch up with Caleb and Jacob.

The run to Sam's house was short and Edward was thankful to arrive. He missed his mate and once he tossed Caleb and Jacob their shorts, he decided to not stick around for the discussion with Sam. Instead, he called Bella and headed to Forks. Sam was sitting on the front porch of his home when Jacob and Caleb approached. The rain subsided for the time being and the three of them stood in front of the house in an awkward silence.

"Um….hi," said Caleb as he rubbed his sore ribs and Sam crossed his arms.

"I got a call from Alice. Apparently you didn't take heed earlier, but you plan on listening from now on," said Sam and Caleb slowly nodded as he stared at his feet.

"I am sorry. I know that isn't enough, but…."

"Oh it is definitely not enough, but you will make amends. I hear you are good with cars. You and Jake have that in common." Jacob rolled his eyes as Sam smiled at him and Caleb nodded.

"Yea, I fix up my bike from time to time." Sam clapped Caleb on the back and guided him over to a shed on the side of the house.

"Good because my car needs an oil change and tune up. Oh and I need this shed cleared out as well." Caleb's eyes widened.

"You can't be serious right now!"

"Hey, you screwed up. Now it is time to make amends, starting with me. Jake, do you need any work done?" Jacob put his hands up and shook his head.

"This is your little project. I just wanted to make sure he got here in one piece, which was harder than you think." Jacob turned to leave and Sam jogged after him.

"Hey, I just….." He stopped and motioned for Caleb to go inside the house. "Go get some breakfast and call your mom to let her know you are alright."

"Yes sir," mumbled Caleb before going into the house and Jacob frowned in confusion.

"You aren't afraid of him being around Emily and Allie? The kid is a hot head. He could hurt them."

"I don't think he would hurt them."

"It isn't that simple. You of all people should know that." Sam winced and Jacob sighed as he looked down. "Sorry, Sam, I didn't mean it to sound like that."

"I know that and your concern is valid, but Emily knows to keep an eye on him. I just wanted to thank you for not killing him."

"He didn't make it easy on me to do the right thing, but I know that for some reason you believe that he isn't all bad so I took that into account."

"He reminds me a lot of you Jake."

"Thanks for the insult."

"I am serious. He reminds me a lot of me too, all of us really. You remember that feeling when you first changed."

"That doesn't make what he did alright."

"I know that and so does he. Look, he has been misinformed about a lot of stuff. Give me a chance to point him in the right direction before you decide to judge him alright? The two of us were given chances when we didn't deserve them either."

"Fine, you have a point, but the kid is out of chances with me. Make sure he knows that."

"Will do," agreed Sam and Jacob turned to leave. "Hey Jake, one more thing, I just want you to know that even though I am an elder now, that doesn't mean that I could ever be Billy. He did a lot for this tribe. He was a good man and I know he is proud of you."

"Thanks," said Jacob as he shook Sam's hand. Leah pulled up to the house in her car and Jacob smiled when she rolled down the window. Josh was in the backseat with a big grin on his face and Jacob jogged over to them.

"What are you two doing here," he asked as he got into the car and Josh lunged from the backseat to hug him around the neck.

"Dad, you are so cool! I can't wait to be a wolf!" Jacob ruffled his hair.

"Thanks kiddo, but I would like some more time with you just as you are before we have to deal with you as a wolf."

"I agree with your dad. Everyone left, but we saved you some breakfast. Josh is also fine with eating breakfast food for lunch, so we figured we would go home, eat, and relax," suggested Leah as she pulled out of the driveway.

"Let's watch NFL Replay," exclaimed Josh and Jacob chuckled as his son put his seatbelt back on in the backseat.

"I am fine with that as long as your mother is."

"That's fine with me. Watching those games makes me sleepy and I need a nap," teased Leah and Jacob laughed as his son groaned at his mother's lack of enthusiasm over football. Sam watched the three of them drive away and took in a deep breath. He was relieved that Caleb was brought to his senses, but knew that there was much more work to be done for him as an elder.

It did not take long for Edward to meet up with Bella and they caught up with the others at the three yachts before heading back to the island. Emmett and Jasper decided to race theirs back, but Edward was happy to cruise along the water with his wife, daughter, and Nahuel until they reached the island. Carlisle and Esme met them at the dock and Edward chuckled as he read their minds. They were imagining all sorts of scenarios that could have played out while their children were in La Push and they waved happily at all of them as they stepped off of the yachts.

"So, how did everything go? Did you stay out of trouble," asked Esme, getting straight to the point and Emmett smiled mischievously.

"Well some of us did not get into trouble. In fact, most of us were the good little children you love and adore, but some of us cannot say the same because some of us almost did a very bad thing…..oh and there were no avalanches," he assured. Carlisle and Esme glanced at each other uneasily.

"So there was some trouble that occurred," questioned Carlisle and Alice looked down at her watch.

"Will you look at the time? I have to go look online to do some shopping."

"Right there with you darlin'," added Jasper before running to the house with his mate. Seth pretended to yawn and grabbed Kaya's hand.

"I'm exhausted, man what a long trip. We're going to take one of the cars back and take a nap. Got to go," announced Seth and Kaya waved before leaving with her mate. Emmett nudged his son.

"Zach owes me a rematch in the water, bye," he said before diving off the dock and Zach followed suit. Rosalie glanced at the water, then her clothes, before looking toward the path leading to the house.

"I am sure there are some cars that need to be tuned up or something," she said quickly before running away and Edward shook his head at his family members and their excuses to get out of dodge. Carlisle and Esme quirked their eyebrows at the four left on the dock with them.

"You four got into trouble? I did not see this coming. What happened," asked Esme and Edward sighed.

"It wasn't a big deal mom. We just….."

"Daddy and Nahuel almost killed Caleb, but it was only because Caleb tried to attack me and mom. Mom put him in his place, but these two couldn't accept that so they went after him, along with Jake. Luckily, daddy calmed down and talked them into sparing Caleb who is now talking to Sam about his behavior," blurted out Renesmee and Edward looked at his daughter in shock.

"Your Aunt Alice has turned you into a complete tattle tale," he whispered and she gasped at her father.

"That's not true. I couldn't bear the way they were looking at us. I don't want grandma and grandpa to be mad at me. Besides, I have nothing to hide. I was not the one trying to kill a wolf. Nahuel still wants to kill him."

"Renesmee," exclaimed Nahuel and she shrugged.

"What, it is true right?"

"Yea, but they didn't need to know all that. You are volunteering way too much information right now," argued Nahuel and Bella giggled.

"She is right though. We have nothing to hide. You are the ones that went after Caleb after we told you it was handled."

"Not you too, love. Do the two of you not have any concept of loyalty to your mates," asked Edward. Carlisle and Esme laughed at the four of them and shook their heads.

"I guess we can't leave any of you alone and not expect trouble to ensue, but I think I speak for both of us when I say that I am proud of you for not killing Caleb. It would have strained our relationships with the wolves, even if his actions could not be condoned. You did the right thing and I am sure it was hard considering the circumstances. If he would have attacked my mate, I cannot promise that I would not have gone after him as well," confessed Carlisle and Esme smiled lovingly at her husband.

"I am sure you would have done the right thing as well, but you are right. Caleb is lucky that the four of you showed great restraint."

"I just hope that Caleb learned from this. Jacob does not think that he will, but Sam hopes it will teach him to learn control over his temper soon. Sam is determined to teach him about responsibility and he is concerned because whether Caleb realizes it or not, he is the first of a new generation of wolves to transform. The next few years are going to be very interesting on the rez. The gene has been triggered again," confessed Edward and they all looked at each other in concern for the teens and pre-teens of La Push.

A week passed and the dramatic events after Billy's funeral were settled. Jacob and Leah had time to unravel and spent time with their son as a family. Even though there were no more supernatural occurrences, it did not stop Joshua from mentioning them as much as possible. The older he got, the more he wanted to know about the wolves and his heritage. Jacob and Leah were more than happy to answer his questions in hopes of giving him enough information to guide him in the future. After their experience with Caleb, they realized more than ever that Joshua needed to feel comfortable speaking about what he was with his parents. They did not want him to feel like Caleb or how they did when they were younger, confused and completely unaware of the lives they would lead as wolves.

It was a sunny summer day and the three of them decided to take advantage of their close proximity to the beach. Leah watched with a permanent grin on her face as Jacob and Joshua surfed the waves. Growing up so close to the ocean, Joshua was a natural in the water and he loved surfing with his parents. He rode each wave with ease and confidence in his ability and Leah rested on her elbows as she watched her son take another wave.

"He is really good. You two have taught him well," said Sam as he jogged over to her. She sat up and looked around curiously.

"Where are Emily and Allie? I didn't even know you were here."

"Actually they are in Seattle having a girl's weekend, apparently that means no boys allowed, even me, her father, can you believe that?" Leah giggled as Sam sat down beside her.

"Well, you are a boy."

"I guess. Josh seems to not mind you being around though."

"I doubt Allie minds you being around. She just needs time with her mom. Josh and Jake do stuff together by themselves all the time. It happens."

"Yea, but where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday she was a little baby in my arms."

"I feel the same way with Josh."

"I am glad that you are here because I actually really wanted to talk to you. Have you and Jake thought about Josh's transformation?"

"A little, but we still have time before we even have to think about that happening. He knows all about it and he is actually excited about it, but I want these years to pass by slowly." Sam slowly nodded and looked out at the water. He took in a deep breath, went to speak, but then thought better of it. Leah noticed his hesitation.

"What aren't you saying Sam? What is going on?" Sam took in another deep breath before finding the confidence to speak up.

"Before he died, Billy and I had a lot of conversations about the wolves, the next generation, what they would be like, who would be the alpha. We had no clue that Caleb would come into the picture, but it doesn't change anything."

"You are talking about Josh becoming an alpha right?"

"Leah, I know you don't want to think about it, but….."

"He is only eleven years old! Of course I do not want to think about something like that right now. He might not even be the alpha. Who knows what will happen. The gene lingers in a lot of the kids on the rez."

"Leah, Josh is different."

"Why, because Jake is an alpha? It doesn't matter Sam. I don't want to have this discussion right now."

"It isn't because of Jake. It is because of you," he confessed and she looked at him curiously.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Think about it, Leah. You are the first female wolf. That has never happened before, so we have never had a wolf on the rez with two parents who were wolves as well. Jake is an alpha, but you are a beta. Josh doesn't just carry the gene. It is doubled within him. I think he will be faster, stronger, and more talented than any wolf we have ever seen. Billy thought so too. We could be wrong, but look at the facts. You and Jake both are different. You are the fastest wolf. Jake is the strongest. You are a beta of Jake's pack. Josh is going to be something special Leah and I know that you don't want to think about it, but there is going to come a time when he is going to have to make a decision. Naturally, since you and Jake are still phasing, he is a part of your pack, but he could also be the alpha of the next generation of wolves. Caleb would have to step down like I would have had to if Jake would have wanted to be alpha of the pack. He is young, but it is written in the stars Leah. He is destined for greatness."

"You and I both know that if he became alpha of the pack and chief of the tribe, it would complicate things. He is just as tied to the Cullens as we are. Zach is his best friend. Can you honestly tell me that Caleb, and even the tribe for that matter, would accept that?"

"No, I can't."

"That's what I thought. I won't force him to be something he doesn't want to be and neither will Jake." She stood up and dusted herself off before heading for the water.

"You also can't change what he is Leah. Whether you like it or not, Josh is different. He is special and when the day comes that he changes, he is going to have to choose." Leah turned to look at him and crossed her arms.

"When the day comes, he will know that he has choices. Unlike us, he won't feel trapped or be pressured to be what he doesn't want to be. Jake and I got out. Josh can as well if that is what he wants. Like I said before, he is tied to the Cullens. They are a part of our lives and always will be, so if you really want Josh to be chief of this tribe, you better start working on the prejudices people around here still have. I am not going to isolate him from Zach or any of them because people are being hateful. I guess you have your work cut out for you." She marched off and Sam sighed.

"I know I do," he mumbled and ran a hand through his hair.