A/N: I'm sorry for the late update. I had a family emergency. I hope you guys haven't give up on me. Please, please tell me what you think! After all it's your reviews that motivate me to keep writing :)

Ok, I have kept you guys waiting long enough! Enjoy! and again please review. I love to hear your thoughts on the story!

Chapter 22

Jacob's POV

The dark night approaches. Hard decisions near. The whole pack stands in a circle hidden deep within the woods. I need to inform them of the change of plan. I know some won't be happy but I need this nightmare to end. None of us have been happy living our lives. I worry for Embry; my best friend, beta, pack member. If I don't do something fast he will do something reckless and I won't be able to look anybody in the eye or to live with myself.

Jake, how long are we going to wait? He says agitated, impatient.

I look at Seth in his wolf form and he immediately bows his head. Seth, you need to know that what I'm doing is for the best.

What? Knowing that one of your pack members is suffering and you know a way to end his suffering but you don't do anything? Paul says angrily.

I growl; barring my teeth. I know what I'm doing! He begins whimpering at the sound of my angry voice. I need to approach this with caution but I'm finding that the only way to win is by bringing the Cullen's.

The blood suckers?! Leah sneers. We already fought with them once. We can do this without them.

Oh, shut up Leah. You weren't in our other attempts in getting Annie back, Seth shakes his head. Something has Annie terrified and that… thing has a very strong power.

The Repel, Paul nods.

We can take them, all of them without the Cullen's, Leah argues.

I thought you had warmed up to them, Leah. Collin jokes.

I growl at him and he bows his head in apology at Leah. Only Nessie and Annie, She clarifies.

Leah, I swore to protect this pack when I became Alpha. If I say that inviting the Cullen's to our battle, which is just as much theirs, is winning, bringing Annie back… I look them all in the eye. I raise my head becoming taller in my wolf form. I put my paw down hard; creating a dent on the ground. I still look at them daring to challenge me. Then so be it! I growl.

Annalise's POV

I sit on another day of school next to my partner million miles away in my thoughts. Axel hasn't supported my idea of escaping. My plan would consist on escaping while in school but he says that Richard will find out sooner or later of the plan and we would end up worse. Nothing is worse than living like this. I can't laugh without being hurt, can't smile because Richard would do anything in his power to make it go away. Richard…. He's the reason why I'm here and not with the family I love. My dream is to find his body in ashes next to the pile of ashes of Heaven who sinisterly makes me call mother.

"Umm… are you ok?" I hear Jessie's voice in the background.

I look at him. "Huh?"

His eyes move to my hand. I follow his line of vision. My eyes dart to my hand. In my grip I have my pencil broken in half form the strength. I drop it and look back at him. "You seem a little…. upset."

"Just lost in my thoughts," I shove my hand into my bookbag to fish out another one discarding the broken one which I wish was Richards's neck.

The bell rings. I sigh as I collect my stuff and stand to return to hell. The feeling of dread surrounds my body. I hold my things close as I walk down the hallway. From the corner of my eye I see Jessie gather his stuff fast; probably to catch up to me but right now I want to be left alone.

Too bad in high school you can never be left alone. "Hey," Haylee waves. She closes her locker and walks to me. I don't mind Haylee at all. She likes the silence just like I found out I like it too. When I'm in silence is when I'm not near Richard nor Heaven. If a noise comes out is me screaming in pain. Silence is my best bet right now. "How is being partners with Jessie been?"

"Great," I give a small smile. We continue walking, looking at all the crazy teens making plans for the weekend that is a good three days away. I hold my tears when I think about me and Nessie. We'd make plans like that with our favorite wolves. Embry… I miss him so much.

I snap out of my thoughts when I hear Haylee say "That's good," and nods. She swings over her torn, worn out book bag over her shoulder. I don't understand, if she's daughter of a Millionaire why dress like that? She is very beautiful, she just needs to show it. Alice. Alice for sure would give her a makeover. I close my eyes in sadness. Everywhere I go reminds me my beloved family. What I wouldn't do to be with them one last time. I look back at Haylee; she's lucky she has no idea of the world she really lives in. She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear completely oblivious to my thoughts. "You know I thought it would be World War 3 when I found out you two were in the same class," She giggles sweetly.

"There still can be," I smirk.

She continues to laugh. As I look at her care free, genuine laugh I get pushed to the side. I turn to look at Lina with her bright clothing. We know the silence is over. "You know… Jessie has a thing for you," She wiggles her eye brows.

"Me?" Jessie?

"No. The principal. Yes you." She rolls her eyes chuckling.

"Lina," Haylee says in a warning tone.

Lina raises her hands up. "I know I wasn't supposed to say anything but she is a friend. This girl-" She holds my shoulders then points at me looking at Haylee. "-probably had no idea."

"No I didn't." I say honestly.

"See?" Lina laughs.

"Jessie?" I look between them. "We're just partners." I don't have time for this.

"Oh come one Scarlett. He is hot. Tell me you haven't seen it?" Lina smirks.

I continue walking with them next to me. This is all child's play. I have no time for this. "I guess," I say vaguely.

"You like him too?" Her eyes widen.

"You do?" Haylee seems to be excited.

I stop walking. A few feet from the entrance door of the school. "I never said that,"

"But you thought it," Lina concludes walking past me and opens the door.

I follow her. "Lina I never said that or thought it," I chuckle.

"I can't believe you like Jessie," Haylee squeals.

"I don't." I whisper. Wow, those two have think heads. I look around making sure people are still minding their own business. That's when I see him standing near the tall trees. Richard. What is he doing here? My eyes widen. My heart begins exhilarating. My hands begin sweating. Has he found out about the plan? Axel was right. It was foolish to think I could honestly get away.

"Yes you do," Lina keeps joking.

"I-I." The words get stuck in my throat.

"See? Can't even lie about it… Oh look who's coming," Lina smiles.

"Hey Jessie," Haylee smiles secretively at him. My eyes dart between them and Richard. With my half-Vampire eyes I look at him; really look at him. His red dark eyes look vicious. He's mad.

"Hey guys… Uhh," he begins saying but doesn't know how to continue.

My eyes still glued at the devil. This can't be happening. Why can't he leave me alone? I swallow hard and look back at the three humans who have no idea the hell I live in. Lina hooks her arm around Haylee. "Well… We'll be going now," I barely register the words. Blood pumping in my ears.

"Bye Scarlett," The say in unison.

"Bye," I say hoarsely, low. My eyes moving around, looking at the ground.

"So…" He starts. I look at Jessie. My heart still pumping. I control my breathing so he doesn't suspect. "Uhh," He is rubbing the back of his neck. I squint my eyes. He looks nervous.

"Yes?" I ask after a couple seconds of silence. Richard still stands like a statue; a creepy statue. Those whose eyes follow your every move.

"I was thinking…" He closes his eyes and takes a breath. "We should hang out." He says in one breath.

"Hang out?" Is he asking me out on a date? I guess Lina was right. In a second I look at Richard who slashes the tree trunk in anger. I swallow again. It was like if he was showing me what he was planning to do to me.

"You know. To meet somewhere out of school…" My eyes wide but not at what Jessie is telling me but at Heaven who joined Richard. She crosses her arms and shakes her head in disapproval. Jessie plays with his hands when I say nothing. "To finish the project," He says in hopes my answer is a yes.

"Oh…umm." I can't seem to swallow anymore. My throat tight. Raspy.

"Or on a date?" His eyes hold so much hope.

"I-I" I hold my bag tight in my grip. My knuckles turning white. My fingers cold. I cast my eyes to the ground.

Jessie immediately steps closer to me. "Hey," He softly says and levels his eyes to me. "I'm not asking you to marry me," He smiles.

"I know," My voice sounds hoarsely still. "I...just," my eyes involuntary look at them… The devil and the she-devil. Their expressions cold. "Can't,"

"Maybe, next weekend?" Why can't he drop it? My chest begins moving fast when I see Richard walking our way. "Are you ok?" He asks. Jessie notices I'm not looking at him anymore and he turns around. He takes one step back ending next to me looking straight at Richard.

"Hello sweetie," Richards's voice is sweet as honey.

"Hello," I look down. My voice low.

"Are you ok?" Jessie whispers to me. He really needs to stop talking.

I hear a growl deep in Richards's chest. "Scarlett, honey, we need to go."

"Where?" It just came out. I cover my mouth but it was too late.

Richards's eyes widen then he lifts his hand ready to hit me. I flinch in anticipation. I know this one will hurt more. He stops realizing that Jessie is with is. He clears his throat and pretends to fix his tie. "We have a family emergency, that's all," He says them as if the words taste like hard bread dipped in vinegar.

"Alright," I take a deep breath. I need to calm down. I hold my bag closer to me like a barrier between me and Richard.

Jessie eyes me then looks back at Richard challenging. "Sir, I will like to take your daughter on a date. Would you give me permission?"

Richard laughs. "Of course not." He laughs again. "My daughter is someone too high for you to reach," I look at Jessie with pleading eyes. Telling him to drop it. "Let's go," Richard demands. "Say goodbye to your little friend." He points to Jessie like if he was a bag of garbage.

I turn to look at Jessie who looks out of place but angry. "Goodbye Jessie," I say fast. When I don't move which I don't want to, when I do who knows what Richard is going to do to me, Richard grabs my arm impatient.

"Let's go," He says.

"Bye Scarlett," Jessie says in a blank tone.

I don't turn around. "Richard let me go. People will start looking our way and ask why you're holding me like this," I whisper low, too low for human ears.

He let's go of my arm. I can feel the blood rushing to it. "Keep walking," He growls. We walk inside the forest. The trees and green growth covering us from the humans. I follow Richard without a word. He suddenly looks to the side like he can hear something coming. "Axel, cover." With his giant hand he holds my arm dragging me.

I look at him confused. What is he talking about? I close my eyes and focus around me. I hear people talking, laughing, birds then I here him walking. "Yes father," Axel answers.

I open my eyes and dart my eyes to the forest. I zoom in and see Axel running away from us, it looks he's in a mission. "What's going on?"

Richard stops and looks at me with his red cold yes. He drops me on the ground hard making me wince as I sit. "Heaven take her back," Heaven then appears form behind the trees.

"Yes, love. Don't take long," They kiss and I turn my face somewhere else. They make me sick.

As Richard leaves in a flash Heaven stands in front of me. Before I know it, faster than a blink, she holds my neck. "Is that why we send you to school? To flirt?" I gasp for air. I can hold it longer then a human but I still need it. "You little whore," She spits.

"H-heaven," I claw her hand. She only laughs at my suffering and takes me back home with her still gripping my neck. All I feel is the air rushing by us.

She drops my body on cold cement. I sit and look around. "Where am I" Heaven stands by a gate looking door. Big enough for one person.

She walks in. Her heels clacking on the cold cement. "Your new room," She smiles.

"My new room?"

"Yes, don't you like it? And look-" She continue to walk in my cell. Stopping in front of the one window that has steel bars. "-You got your own window." She laughs to herself as she begins walking out.

I hate her! I might not be able to win them both but one by one I might have a chance. I need to make them pay little by little. "Why?"

She turns to me. "What are you talking about little girl,"

"Why stay with him?" She stands still not knowing what I'm talking about. "I know you love Richard but don't you see? He has two kids that are not even yours."

"Stop talking," She warns gritting her teeth. It sounds like she's going to break them off.

"He slept with other women, probably enjoying himself. While you wait here by yourself-"she jumps on me. Hitting my face repeatedly. My cheek bone cracks. She holds my writs in a death like grip so I won't fight back. "Go ahead, hit me. I like it," I smile and spit out blood. She can't win me… No longer.

"Be quiet!"

"And you know what sucks…Well at least for you," I laugh, wincing, screaming in pain inside as I try to sit. "You will never be my or Axel's mother," I smile.

She begins seething and before she can attack me a hand grabs her arm. Axel's brows are creased in an angry scowl. "Don't touch my sister," he pushes her. "You can't punish her for saying the truth"

"How dare you speak to me that way?" She brings her hand up ready to swing but in midair Axel catches it and pushes her hand away.

"Heaven don't make a fool of yourself more than you already have." He says in the most sophisticated tone. "Richard wishes to speak to you,"

She huffs and runs away. "Axel? What's going on?" I lay down tired at all my efforts.

Axel walks up to me and squats down. He gently runs a hand over my face. "It's close,"

I frown. "What's close?"

He looks lost in thought before looking at me in the eye. "You'll see. For now fight," Fight? He holds my hand. "Fight little sister. Never give up. You are almost ready,'

"Ready? To win them?" I whisper. "I've been fighting them. All the time,"

"But not the way that you'll win. There will come a time where you'll be stronger to win this war against the man that makes us call father,"

"How will I know?"

"You'll now and when you know you'll tell me."

"How?"

"The way only you can do," He kisses my forehead and I close my eyes to receive the act of kindness.

"Yes but don't worry, that day will never come," Richard voice interrupts our conversation and brings my body in dread. He leans on the door frame made out of bars of steel. "Axel, let's go," He says sternly. "And you… Don't go anywhere," he laughs. "Like you can," He walks away and continues laughing. His words the way he said them… He said the same words to Mary as she carried me inside. He is still the same monster.

Axel shakes his head. He looks back at me and smiles sweetly. "Just know that whatever happens I love you baby sister,"

"I love you too big brother," I cry and smile at him. He kisses my cheek and before I know it he's out my jail cell. The door of strong steel keeping me prisoner.

I lay down and think. What is Axel talking about? What does he know that I don't? I close my eyes. I press my injured parts of my body and let them touch the cool cement like an ice pack. I let the darkness suck me in. The only peace I have right now.

…..

I wake from the sun shining in my face. I frown at the sky and it immediately the clouds cover it. If I can't be happy then the sky can't be either. I try to turn around but my aching body doesn't let me. Tired of my efforts I close my eyes. They should just kill me. I'd suffer less.

As the day passes I stay in one spot. Not being able to move I decide to listen to the noise outside. Trying to distract myself. I frown when I hear a car approaching. It can't be Axel. He never brings a car in here. Heaven doesn't like the pollution near her plants. She makes Axel park his car miles away.

Now that my healing has started, I sit a little better. I hear someone stepping near the house then the door bell rings. "Hello young man. How can I help you?"

"I was wondering if Scarlett was in and if I may visit her? Axel said she was sick." Oh no! Jessie!

"Ah…"

"Come in," Richard's confident and sensual voice says. Don't Jessie!

"Thank you sir," I stand limping towards the gate. He can't be in here! They're going to hurt him.

I hear keys on a key chain rattling. Footsteps coming closer. Nakoma comes in view and opens my cell. "Nakoma, tell me what's going on out there?" my voice barely noticeable.

"Your mother-" he looks apologetically. "-want's you upstairs. You must know why," I nod. He places his hand behind me gently and guides me up the stairs.

With gentle slow steps we make it upstairs. Before entering the dining room where they have Jessie, Nakoma dusts off my jeans and shirt so I can look more presentable.

I walk, or try, inside confident. Jessie's face falls. "Wow, you're really sick," I must look horrible.

"Yeah," I sound groggy from the lack of water at least.

"We'll let you kids alone to talk," Heaven says like a cheery person but I know she hates that a human is inside the house and she's not going to feed on him. Before leaving she stops near me. "Make him go away or I'm going to eat him. He smells delicious," she whispers lower for human ears to hear. She walks way leaving us... but not alone.

"Your mom is very nice," Jessie says making me grimace. He sits on the chair. I sit close but still far.

"Yeah," I chuckle, "Nice." He looks confused. I clear my throat. "So now you saw me. You can leave now,"

"I came to see if you're ok," He leans in. "You looked scared after you left with your dad." He whispers. Little does he know that they still hear everything.

"No I wasn't," I stand. "I'm fine. You can leave now,"

"Scar, tell me." He looks at me. His eyes intense. "Does he hit you?" I look at him agape. I open my mouth but no words come out. He looks angry. "He does, doesn't he?"

"Jessie…" I plead. He really needs to stop.

"I will call he authorities to put that monster in jail," He stands and begins walking away.

"Jessie," I speed walk after him since I still can't walk properly.

"Where do you think you are going boy?!" Richard stands in front of the door.

"I will tell the world what kind of monster you are!"

"Jessie! Please!" I grab his arm. Kneeling I plead. "Stop, Please."

He helps me to my feet. "No Scarlett," He turns around. "Let me pass,"

"You want to see the monster I can be?" Richard looks at Jessie in amusement.

"Richard! No!" In a flash he is standing so close to Jessie their noses touch.

Jessie takes a step back startled. "How'd you do that?"

Richard looks at me. "Should I tell him or should you?" He smiles.

"Father. Please!"

Richard shrugs. "I'll tell him," He grabs Jessie by the neck and raises him off the floor like if he was carrying an empty water bottle. "So, you just walked inside a house of Vampires. "Jessie's eyes widen as he wiggles violently in his hold. "Yes and your little friend there is a half-Vampire half-Human," He drops Jessie. He begins coughing gripping his own neck as if it helped bring air that was denied to his body. "Now we must eat you. You know too much,"

"NO!" I stand and throw myself on Richard. I claw his face, punch. I know my attempts are futile but I must try to save Jessie. Richard being stronger, always, begins kicking me, then throws me on the wall. As I hit it my wrist nearly breaks off. The skin is the only thing keeping it together. Some bones shattered, like the wall I hit.

"Why don't you ever learn Scarlett?" he tisks in disapproval. "Don't be naughty. Now stay there and see the way I enjoy your friend here,"

"Can I join Richard?" Heaven asks as she licks her lips.

"The more the merrier," He laughs and both get closer to Jessie.

"Stop," I breathe out.

"No Scar, don't say anything anymore. They'll hurt you again," Jessie says with kindness. They can't kill him. I won't let it happen.

I struggle to get up but I do. Wobbling in my spot. My knees shaking, I take one step. "Scarlett look," Richard says in amusement as his mouth nears Jessie's neck.

I begin crying. "Please, don't!" I try to walk faster but I can't. "No…" I sob. "Please," As he bares his teeth to sink them in a find strength. I don't know from were but I begin running. "Stop!" I jump on Richard ignoring the excruciating pain I'm in. I look at Jessie. It was too late.

"AHHHHHH!" Jessie screams in what I'm too familiar with…pain.

"NO!" I didn't want him to turn like us. He deserves a better life.

"Richard. Can I kill him?" Heaven caresses his face.

"Get away...from him," I say in anger. She laughs.

Richard pushes me off and pins me against the floor. "No," I look at Richard. What is he planning? "Let him change. We'll let the Volturi deal with him. When he becomes a new born he won't be able to control himself and they'll kill him which will give me great pleasure." He looks at me and with his finger tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "And will take this one to watch,"

"AHHHHHHH!" Jessie keeps screaming convulsing on the floor.

"Oh shut up," Heaven rolls her eyes and kicks him adding to the pain he must be in.

"Stop it!" I screaming trying to move away but Richard still has me pinned.

"Get off of her Father," Axel's pissed voice comes into the scene.

"Or what? Tell me. What will you do?" Richard says standing up. My vision getting blurry, my head pounding. My body hurting. All I see is two blurry figures fighting.

Heaven comes near me. Her voice sounds muffled. "See what you do? Now they're fighting." She kicks my side. I hear a couple ribs crack.

"Stop. Don't hurt Axel," I say in whisper.

"AHHHHH!" I look at Jessie and take his hand slowly.

I look back to the figures. As my vision gets better I see Richard holding Axel's hair, almost yanking it. 'This is what you make me do," He tells me in disgust.

"I love you Annie," Before I know it he cracks his neck making his body slump on the floor. Richard leans against the wall.

"NO!" I drag myself to Axel's body. I yank on his shirt. "Wake up, AXEL! Wake up!" I hit him on the chest sobbing. "AXEL!"

"Shut up!" Heaven yells. "We need to take this two somewhere, they make too much noise," She whines.

I look at her astonished. "Listen you BITCH! My brother is dead! Shut the hell up!" I look back at Axel. I begin taking the hair away from his face. "Axel, Axel! Please, AXEL! You can't LEAVE ME!"

"He did," She sighs. "Anyways, were should we put him?" She muses.

"In the cell with her?" Richard asks.

"I will like to see the way she tries to run away as he wants to eat her. Yes let's do that," Heaven claps her hands jumping up and down in excitement.

"Yes, I'd like to see that too," Richard begins pulling my legs. I cling to Axel to dear life.

"NO! LET ME DIE WITH HIM! Axel, BROTHER!" he grabs me and throws me over his shoulder. "I'm Sorry!" I look at his lifeless body as Richard runs to the cell. "I'm SORRY!"

They throw both of us like if we were garbage. "Stay," Richard says laughing again and runs away.

I hold myself. "No," I sob. "I'm sorry for not helping. I'm sorry for being a bad sister."

"AHHHH!" Jessie screams in his own pain. I drag myself to him.

"I at least have to save you." I wipe the sweat form his forehead. "I will get you out,"

I kiss his cheek before getting closer to the window. As I kneel with all my strength I look at the sky. "It is time. I will avenge my brother's death." The sky begins cracking. Like if it's preparing for battle. The clouds becoming dark. "You will pay," I growl. "The both of you!" I scream and lighting strikes shaking the ground.

Axel's POV

Thunder shaking the ground wakes me. I sit with immense pain in my neck. I look outside's storm. It looks like the world is about to end. I drag myself still not having movement in my legs. I open the door and look at the strong wind and lighting strikes that shake the ground. The sky cracks like if it's going to split in half. The sky dark.

I feel my shield thinning out until it's gone. I smile they're finally here. The thunder cracks again as I hear Annie scream loud summoning her powers. I drag myself outside. I wiggle my toes. I begin feeling my legs and I stand slowly. I hold onto the wooden rocking chair and stand with wobbly arms. As I stand lighting hits the trees who catch on fire.

I smile looking at what my baby sister can do. I look at the far trees in time to see the wolves. The whole pack running like warriors ready for a fight. Looking at the Alpha in the eyes I smile. "She's ready,"