Thank You: AnimeOtaku18, Dottyanne, chinadoll381282001 (honestly, how do you remember all those numbers?), ChrissiHR, lundyred, mrslisablack, 1241070, Grumpy DelSan13, aesir21, and hharv241.

I apologize for the delay- I thought my life was going to lessen in craziness… but it just got worse. (A dear friend passed away, and then I started having car troubles. I'm honestly waiting for something else to go wrong- after all, all bad things come in threes…) Oh, and don't worry – the action should pick up soon.

Chapter 4

"Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company." ~Mark Twain

Jake

I sat in the clearing the pack met in, finally allowing my mind to catch up with the events of the last day; I had finally kissed the girl I loved, but I had also immediately lost her when I reached home, falling prey to an ancient "gift" from my ancestors.

I stepped out of the Rabbit, practically a zombie for the amount of brain power I was using, "I kissed her." I said to myself, as if just realizing what had occurred. I reached up with one hand, brushing my first and middle fingers across my lips, "I kissed her and she kissed me back!" I did a little dance in place, not caring if anyone was watching.

"I take it you had a good time?" My dad's voice broke me out of my celebrations. I spun around, a smile taking up half my face- I must have looked a fool- only to stop short when I caught sight of his expression.

I blinked, "Dad, what's wrong?"

My father sighed, "Look Jake, I can tell Bella makes you happy, but I think it would be best if you stopped seeing her-"

"What?!" I cried out, cut off whatever justification he had planned, "Why?! You love Bella like another daughter; I've heard you tell Charlie that more than a thousand times!"

"I just think this infatuation you have with her is dangerous- since it's obvious she doesn't feel the same for you."

"But she does feel the same!" I announced triumphantly, "Tonight I kissed her, and she kissed me back!"

Surprise crossed my father's features before he recovered, "Then she's using you as her rebound!"

Indignation overrode my other emotions, "Bella wouldn't do that, and even if she did, I don't care!"

"Well I do! And I forbid you from seeing her again!"

My vision went red; my body was shaking, my fists clenched at my sides. Each muscle in my body was tensed so tightly it was painful. Small drops of blood fell from my knuckles as my nails cut crescents into my palms, "You forbid me? How dare-" My anger had reached its apex and suddenly, pure agony raced up my spine, as if every bone in it had been crushed. I fell to my knees, retching.

I looked up at my dad, my sight cloudy with tears of pain, "Wha- what's happening?" My voice trembled. Cracks sounded and it felt as if my legs had been broken in every way imaginable- and a few others that even torture artists were reluctant to perform. My back bowed backwards and I let out a scream of torment, closing my eyes and hoping that would block out a bit of the wretched feeling- it didn't. Two sets of hands grabbed my upper arms and lifted me. When I finally reopened my eyes, we were in my backyard – Sam on one side and Embry on the other, both giving me pitying looks.

"Hold on, Jacob." Sam whispered. I felt a pain in my neck, then darkness.

I had woken up an hour later with four legs and a tail. Sam had walked me through the rules and responsibilities of my new life, in addition to introducing me to the rest of the "Pack", which took until the early hours of the morning. By then I was finally calm enough to phase back and return home- after Sam lent me a pair of shorts to wear back… which I had then shredded when my father sent me back to retrieve him, damn.

Jeez, enough with the melodrama already, Paul's voice cut into my thoughts.

Paul, so nice to hear your dulcet tones, I replied- my time with Bella had made my vocabulary infinitely better. Embry and Jared followed Paul into the clearing, trotting to their places. Paul, you're to run patrol, I immediately began issuing Sam's orders, Jared and Embry- you're to report to the Swan house.

What, why? Embry asked, confusion colouring his words.

I shook my head, Sam's orders, he'll explain.

Jared rolled his eyes and stood. He started out of the area, but when he realized Embry wasn't with him, he turned around on grabbed the wolf's ear with his teeth, dragging him away by said appendage while Embry whined and growled. Paul huffed, then set off at a fast pace to cover the border. I waited until I felt the two strange shimmers that meant Jared and Embry had phased, and Paul was lost in thought about his latest conquest, before slumping forward and return to my memories.

Bella

"So, werewolf- huh?" I asked sardonically, surprising the room.

My foot had started tapping by the time the group had recovered from their various reactions to my sudden question. Charlie sat on the far side of the counter, the bottle of whiskey in his hand hovering on the edge of spilling. Billy sat across from him with his back to me, still trying to get down the liquor that had caught in his throat at my entrance. Jake was nowhere to be seen, but Sam was lounging between the two men, a small smirk playing on his face as he sipped his drink, having barely blinked at my arrival.

Striding forward, I plopped down in the seat opposite Sam, Charlie's eyes following my movements, his face twisted in bewilderment. I stretched forward, gently prying the bottle from his numb fingers and refilling his glass before setting the whiskey in the centre of the counter. Sam set his drink down, the clink bringing my head around to look at him, but I unintentionally turned my eyes downward almost immediately, avoiding his gaze, "So, Bella," My eyes flicked up, watching his mouth form the words, "how're you feeling?"

I considered the question for a second, "Fine." Charlie snorted, the glass at his lips amplifying the sound slightly.

"No, really." I insisted, looking at Charlie's disbelieving countenance, "I mean, yeah, I just went through the most hellish pain in my entire life… but, it's all but gone now, and what I really need is a full explanation…" I trailed off, hoping that Billy and Sam would get my hint.

Billy continued to stare at me blankly, his eyes still watering from his choking episode, but Sam sighed- as if he knew what I wanted and was reluctant to give it to me, "Bella, I'll make you a deal, " I raised an eyebrow, patiently waiting for him to make his request before agreeing, "I know you know about the Cullens, I also know that you've realized- whether consciously or not- that I have the answers you seek. So… I propose a trade of information; one question for another. Do you understand?"

I nodded uncertainly- if he already knew about the Cullens, then why bother asking me about them? I answered nevertheless, "Alright."

Sam smiled tightly and leaned back, "Good, I'll go first: Do you know where the Cullens are?"

My hands clenched, realizing that this man was not shy of going for the throat… I couldn't help but wonder what I had gotten myself into, "When Ed-he- broke up with me, I asked around… I know they said they were going to LA, but as you and I well know, that's impossible. Unfortunately, it's also the only lead I have." I paused for a second, trying to form my question, "I heard you say that I was a werewolf, but is that true- am I actually a true howl-at-the-moon, afraid-of-silver, scary-monster werewolf?"

The man gazed at me thoughtfully, "You're the first to ask that question in such a way… Well it is true we have the potential ability to change our shape, we are not bound by the moon's cycles, nor are we burnt by silver. We do have enhanced senses, strength and healing, much as publicized and I'm sure you've noticed." He gave me a knowing smile, "In my opinion, the term 'werewolf' has been narrowed by the media too much and no longer quite applies to us. Better to use 'shape-shifter' or even 'skin-changer' if you wish to avoid confusion… I have heard rumours and legends that some of the Cold Ones- or vampires, if you prefer- have additional abilities; is this true?"

"Yes." I immediately replied, "I don't know whether it's the majority or the minority, but many of the Cold Ones I encountered had extra gifts." I decided that I had fulfilled the totality of his question, and that if he wanted more specific information, he would need to ask for it directly, "You keep saying 'we' and 'us', how many shape-shifters are there?"

"As of now, there are six of us, including you…" Sam looked as if he was debating with his next sentence for a minute before he finally settled on his question, "Were any of the Cullens 'gifted', and if so, how?"

I smirked, "That's technically two questions…" Sam's face continued in a calm façade, "Yes, three of them had extra abilities- Jasper was an empathy; he could influence and even completely change emotions. Al-Alice, had the ability to see the future, but it changed depending on people's choices, so it wasn't precise. He, " I prayed Sam wouldn't ask me to clarify, "could read minds… well, every mind except for mine." I cleared my throat, "Do all shape-shifters go through the pain that I did?"

"No." Sam shrugged, "This is the first I've heard of an overnight change, as well as a female wolf… What other Cold Ones did you meet beyond the Cullens?"

I felt the edges of the hole in my chest- partially healed with Jake's help, tug at the seams, reopening just a bit, "During a… outing, we met three nomads who were passing through the area; James, Victoria and Laurent… If there are so many differences between me and the other wolves, how can you be sure that's really what's happening?"

"I wasn't, when I first arrived, but when I saw you- growing several inches in a single night is completely unnatural- and smelled you, I realized it was true, there's no other explanation for what's happening to you." He leaned forward, picking up and downing the rest of his drink as I examined myself, finally realizing how different I really was. I was almost the same height as Jacob now, and I had just decided to think about it later when Sam spoke, "What special gifts did these nomads possess?"

"I don't know if Victoria or Laurent had any, but James was a Tracker. He caught my scent and decided that he had to have me, well my blood anyway… The Cullens tried to draw him away from me and trick him, but he eventually found me." I fingered my scarred wrist, noticing how severe the difference between it and my normal skin had become, "Do you have any theories why the change happened so fast?"

Sam looked at my wrist, almost as if it held all the answers to the universe, "Tell me one thing before I answer- how did you get that scar?"

I bit my lip, "James lured me into a trap and managed to bite me before the Cullens arrived to the rescue- he sucked out the venom so I wouldn't change, but I still ended up with this."

Billy, who had been watching our exchange with a mask of indifference up until this point, gasped- and I kid you not- held up one hand, pointer finger outstretched as if directing our attention to a light bulb over his head, "Of course!" He exclaimed, and I blinked slowly, still waiting for my heart to stop pounding from the surprise.

We waited in silence for him to explain his sudden outburst, but he just put his hand down and sat there with a smug expression, "Well?" I finally broke, "Care to share with the rest of the class?"

He laughed lowly and turned to Sam, "You remember we were discussing why her change was so different?" Sam nodded stiffly, "You know that vampire venom is deadly to the wolves; what effect do you think it would have on a shifter who hadn't phased yet?"

Realization dawned across Sam's face, "The two; wolf genes and venom, would fight against each other, neither winning until some sort of catalyst gave the push necessary to change the tide."

"Hold on." I made a time-out signal with my hands, "What do you mean 'phased'?"

"That's what we call the change from man- or woman in your case- to wolf; the Phase. It's caused by an extreme emotion, such as anger, and it causes us to quite literally rip out of skin and into a new shape." Sam explained, "I'm actually amazed you haven't phased yet- this must be a difficult time for you, filled with confusion and change."

I took a brief stock of my emotions, "I don't know. I mean, as I said earlier, I've been through a lot in the past few hours, and I am confused… But I know that anger will get me nowhere and actually, curiosity is my main emotion right now." Sam gave me a considering look, "And speaking of curiosity, where's-" I was cut-off by the slam of the backdoor opening.

The group froze, listening to the approaching footsteps, Sam leaned back in his chair, tipping it onto two legs, "Embry? Jared?" He called.

Two heads peered around the doorway, "Want to explain what's going on? Jake wasn't clear, just said that you would explain." Embry threw his arms up in the air as he said this, dramatizing the words.

Sam rolled his eyes at the half-naked men and motioned for them to enter the room before pointing at me, "We have a new Pack member." They both froze, turning to stare at me.

"Huh?!" Embry exclaimed, the other man just walked over to the counter and picked up the whiskey bottle, downing several gulps. He set the bottle back down and used the back of his hand to wipe his mouth.

He looked at me and smiled tightly, "Sorry about that; something told me I wouldn't be able to have this conversation sober. By the way- hi, how you doin', Bella, I'm Jared." He held out a hand and I cautiously shook it.

"Nice to meet you, Jared… How do you know my name?"

He tilted his head to the side in askance, "You mean Sam didn't fill you in on all the wonders of being a werewolf?"

"Shape-shifter." I automatically corrected, "From what I hear, we don't spend our nights howling at the moon." I sighed and stood, making my way to the stove, I started the tea kettle and pulled a couple Earl Grey tea bags out of the overhead cabinet, suddenly glad for my extra height when I didn't have to jump to retrieve them, "You may need alcohol for this, but I am in desperate need of caffeine."

Jared followed me and stood behind me as I waited for the pot to whistle, "To answer your question, well… it's not exactly howling, and it's not exactly at the moon." He gave me a suggestive smirk and I glared at him half-heartedly, he snorted in response and I punched his shoulder, "Ow!" He called out jokingly, holding a hand to said body part, "Ow." He said again, looking at his arm in confusion, "That actually hurt." He stated in amazement.

I shrugged, "You deserved it." Jared lifted his hand and I caught a glimpse of a fading bruise before it disappeared completely.

"Wow, Bella," Embry began, "I'd say you hit like a girl, but you just proved me wrong." He held out a fist and I bumped it, laughing at our silliness. The kettle started whistling and I used the excuse to continue our light-heartedness. Pulling my favourite mug down- one which my mother had bought me when I was a kid and had a picture of Animal the Muppet on the side- and I set the tea to steep.

I leaned against the counter after turning the stove off. I looked at Charlie with a raised eyebrow, "You're taking all this remarkably well." I commented.

He shrugged in response, "I grew up with the stories, and I just didn't have any proof that they were real… until now, that is."

Nodding slowly, I crossed my arms, "So, Sam, regale me with the wonders of being a 'werewolf'." I raised my hands to do finger-quotes and the room chuckled.

"As I said before, we're 'gifted'," He imitated me fingers-quotes making me smile, "with enhanced senses and strength as well as accelerated healing. Other than that, the others and I have noticed that many of our actions have become more like normal wolves; for one, we unconsciously act together. We do share the pack mind- when we're phased, we have the privilege of hearing each other's thoughts." I chose to remain quiet about my silent mind for the moment as he apparently hadn't heard me earlier, unsure how he would react- I could already tell Charlie was disturbed by the concept that my ex-boyfriend could read his thoughts, "We do also naturally defer to those above us in the command order- as you've unintentionally been doing for as long as we've been talking." I gave him a confused look, "You have yet to look me in the eye, Bella." I'm sure the shock and realization showed on my face, "It's normal- you don't want to challenge me Bella, you see, I'm your alpha."

"So that means I have to do whatever you say, right?" My teeth ground together, my nails biting into my palms.

"Essentially, yes." I didn't even notice the shaking, the tenseness, or the pain- the anger covered it up. No one would control me again!

My back split, and the last thing that went through my mind before Embry grabbed my shoulder and knocked me out was, 'Oh fuck, here we go again!'

3rd

Meanwhile, miles and miles away in a cabin in Alaska, Alice Cullen froze midway through rearranging her clothing for what must have been the hundredth time, "No…" She whispered, suddenly feeling the loss of something dear to her. She quickly flipped through the various members of her family, checking their futures. Everything was normal- everyone going about their everyday tasks with the same lack of energy that had come over the Cullen family at their leaving of Forks- until she landed on Bella. When she thought of the young girl, only darkness filled her mind, "Bella, no…" She repeated, unsure what to do for the first time.