Chapter 43

Annalise's POV

I should've felt ashamed, in a way, of course I am, but finally coming out and saying it to protect my brother, all I could do was stand tall. I knew the rules and how sacred it is for wolves to keep them. Looking at Jacob, the Alpha's brown eyes I was ready to receive my fate.

My arms limp at the sides as my eyes flutter close. I felt my cheeks stretch in an uncommon smile; the warmth spreading inside like if a fuzzy sweater engulfed me. My face tilted upward finding the hot sun. For once, since it all happened, I was at … peace. His hold on me was gone and I was finally washing away his hideous stench. Richard O'Connell was gone.

My eyes sprang open in surprise when I heard the most menacing growl, the image of the crippled wolves fluttered momentarily in my memory. A blur of soft fur danced in my vision. It wasn't them. It was Embry. His proud, dominating wolf was standing protectively in front of me. The muscles on his hind legs potent and showing even through the thick fur. The ground still vibrated from when he landed in front of me.

Jacob stood unmoving, steady with watchful eyes. He looked at the eyes of his beta, pack member, his friend, his brother. My nerves jumbled and I trembled. I couldn't see Embry's eyes, my heaven. With one good look at his chocolate pools I knew I was safe and what he needed me to do. Instead I stood in my shaky limbs looking at the Alpha. His intense brown eyes kept Embry in place. The tensions on his muscles grew by the second as he had that secret conversation through wolfs, and mind readers.

Cold skinny fingers gripped my wrist painfully hard. I winced quickly finding the source. Jessie was standing protectively close. His stone face held nothing, not even anger. Though, he did not needed to say anything as his eyes blazed. His body seemed to swell and his grip became steel. I made no move waiting for him to release on his own.

"Nobody is touching you." Jessie gritted through his teeth, his cold gaze fixed on the wolves.

My lips parted. I needed to protest. After all my sins were far greater and that needed punishment. But my throat closed and my chest burned as I caught wind of my family standing a few steps away. The nervousness made my stomach tighten and the shaking worsen. They knew the truth. All of them now knew that I was monster; it is why none of them didn't bother to look at me.

They were all ignoring me. And it was heartbreaking.

I looked back at Jessie who, the same as my family, was cold, and still. His eyes remained glued at the wolves. I glared at twisted my hand in a way I thought I broke it. Jessie's red eyes finally sprung to me and one good looked at my pained expression he let go.

My hand circled the injured one. "It needs to be done."

There was pause. At first he said nothing and I thought maybe he didn't hear which I knew it was impossible. His gaze darted behind me and snarled dangerously. His shoulders squared and he looked more indestructible, like a tank. The rim of his eyes tighten and started to move around me like a skillful panther. He looked ready to attack.

I turned quickly to find the youngest of the wolves, Colin, growling deeply and crouching closer to ground. The brown of his eyes was gone, they almost looked black as he stared right at me. My body ran cold and rigid ready for the impact as he lept in the air. A startled gasp escaped my throat when Uncle Edward was suddenly in front of me shielding me from Collins attack. The both bodies collided, Uncle Edward twisted avoiding me completely and fell, instantly fighting.

My family hissed and stepped forward and the wolves responded with a growl. Then it began. They leaped and bodies collide like thunder in the sky. It was like those great battles in the olden days that were violent and gory. Only that those fights were to find glory and justice … this, the wolves and my family, once allies, it all felt wrong.

A forced pushed me aside and I whimpered as I hit the ground. I swallowed thickly and tears began to spill as did the rain. It poured hard and strong as I laid on the ground.

I needed to get away.

Things were happening so fast I couldn't breathe, the jumbled thoughts again confide making me nausea. My hand flew to my chest massaging the spot. Without second thought I sprung to my feet and spun on my heels and ran. I ran as I fast could.

Cowering.

I don't recall this part of the mountains from when I was younger but an unknown place seemed like a good idea at the time. I hugged my knees close to my chest ignoring the way the wet clothes clung to my cold skin. I had used the dirtiest trick in the book- the one Richard did to kidnap me- I took a swim to mask my scent.

I needed to be alone for a while. I needed it so badly.

My secret was out.

For those close to me that had no idea of what I did now saw me as a murderer. I was. I had lost count on how many victims, innocent people, I've killed. I could easily cover and say I was forced. I wasn't, I enjoyed it, I loved the taste, the satisfaction it gave me. Then, of course, the consuming guilt came right after. Then it was gone again for my next kill. It continued like that consecutively for four years. In a vicious loop.

And I still recall when I tasted the first drops of human blood. I told myself I was no longer a Cullen. I had become a monster undeserving of the last name. I still believe it.

"You know, you will give your mate a heart attack if you keep disappearing."

My neck snapped towards the familiar voice. I stilled making sure it was him. I saw the silhouette at the edge of the cliff first before I saw a face. The smooth tan skin and sad cerulean brown eyes of Nakoma. His wings were still magnificent and a sight to behold. The great feathers hid behind his back leaving the healer that stood by me all those years.

"Nakoma."

He paused for a second and then with long strides was by me. Looking at him closely he looked young, maybe in his late twenties but I knew he was a century old. He sat next to me in silence and I appreciate it. He knew that's how I coped, always, every time he healed me. But he knew he wasn't just hear to enjoy the sweet silence, I also knew that.

"Why did you run away from your family, Anna?" His voice seemed softer, not like the usual strain voice he used.

The question weighed on me. Ashamed by my childish behavior I hung my head and sighed. "I am not part of that family." I whispered.

"What are you saying young one?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, knowing that if I used my voice again it would crack. I groaned at my indecisive thoughts that are slowly driving me crazy. It was short moment were I felt at peace finally sharing the secret. Then once I realized what I've done I wanted to take it all back.

"I do not deserve the title. I don't deserve to be a Cullen."

His warm hand took mine. "Then why is your family looking for you with desperation? Why do you think?"

I looked at him, "They're still looking for me?"

"And I don't think they'll stop. They'll never stop. Why do you think I'm here for?"

"I-" the words collide in my mouth and jumbled up not letting formulate complete sentences. "But … I-"

"Anna." His strein voice I came to know commands me to look at him. His soft features with sharp eyes draw my attention. "Family isn't just word, it's a meaning, a feeling, a beautiful memory to behold. The vampires that took you will never be your family because they meant nothing. They were simply disgusting beings. Your family, the one that took you in without a second thought, the one that raised you, the ones that looked for you day and night all those years. That's your family.

"Do you think if they didn't love you they would left you in Canada? They came for you. And will always come for you."

I kept looking at him in wonder, wanting the words to sink in. "Even … Even if I killed all those people?"

His eyes never left my face as if trying to understand my meaning. "Do you mean your confession today in the forest?"

I gulped. "I had too. They were going to kill Jessie. I had to save him."

"Anna, they knew."

I inhaled and my eyes widen. "What do you mean?"

"It was job to know everything about vampires as a young warrior eagle and leader. Of course, I never came in contact with one until that day I was captured. The red eyes, killer of humans. That's all I knew …" He looked at me "Until you came. I knew you were half breed, but your eyes told me of your innocence. The day you were rescued from that hell, they all saw your eyes. The brown … with a hint of red."

I frowned and looked at my fingers. They knew … they saw them.

"I was worried they do something to you." He confessed. My eyes sprung to him. "I followed them and it wasn't until I knew and saw the love they held for you that I made my presence known and forged an alliance with the wolves."

Oh.

"Hey, now," He started after I didn't say anything. "We all make mistakes. Yours was not a mistake but something unfortunate. You can either let it consume you or you can will it to make you stronger."

"Nakoma I-"

"Anna. Your mate, Embry, contacted me pleading for my help. I came because I am your friend. Though, once I caught your very faint scent I told him of your whereabouts." He stopped, looked at me and smirked. "I got here first since I'm faster."

I chuckled as my face brighten. "He's coming?"

"Should be here in a couple minutes." He sighed and stood up so elegantly that I wondered how he did it. "Only him though. I knew you needed time before you faced your family. But you always need your mate."

He took small steps backwards and spread out his wings. I had to hold my gasp. They still shocked me with their beauty. He grinned at my expression.

"Thank you, Nakoma."

"No, Anna, thank you. Because of you I am free and I have found my own mate."

I gasped loudly this time. "You have? Can I meet her?"

He nodded and grinned wider. "Of course."

I wanted to say more. A congratulations perhaps but all words and the simply task of knowing how to speak was forgotten when I caught the scent. The scent that made my body shiver in delight and my senses heighten. The scent that makes my world turn and gives my life meaning.

My eyes found Nakomas knowing expression. He stepped towards me, gently and briefly kissed my forehead and he was out, soaring into the sky.

I was left alone as the scent came closer and the anticipation was gripping me.

A/N: I know i disappeared but crazy things was happening. I promised my faithful readers I was not stopping until it was finished and I will. A lot things are going to happened and please brace your self in the next chapter because there would be mature content. A lot of it. No more spoilers ;)

What do you guys think about making a story for Jessie? You know ... when this one is over?