Rosalie

Paul hadn't spoken to me since Jared called him to tell him what Carlie had done. After being together for sixteen years, I knew him well enough to know what was wrong. We'd had communication issues early on, but I wouldn't let him stew on this the way he always used to. He waited a few minutes after Carlie went inside the house before walking away from us.

"Paul, wait!" I called after him. "We need to talk about this."

Jasper was glaring daggers at me as Paul turned around. We had all been hunting. Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, Jasper, Felix, Jane, Alec, Demetri, and Leah were all outside with us. Paul turned around slowly and threw his arms down at his sides.

"What do we need to talk about? The fact that our daughter didn't feel comfortable coming to us? Or maybe that you keep both of their cars loaded with enough cash to bankroll these kinds of crazy plans?" He was screaming and his face was turning red. "If we didn't have Demetri and Quil we never would've found her! She could've lived on that money for a long time!"

I understood why he was angry. He was terrified. He wasn't wrong, Carlie could've lived on that money for a few months at least. If she had made it to Rachel, it could've been even longer. Rachel certainly wouldn't have called us to tell us she was there.

Leah shook her head. "How much money did she have, Rosalie?"

I was embarrassed to admit it in front of her. I had only ever intended for the kids to have enough money to sustain themselves if they had a legitimate emergency. I never imagined they would run away.

"Five thousand dollars." I responded to her. "You can't blame me for this, Paul! Carlie has always come to me with her problems, I had no idea this would be different. I didn't even know she knew about Josh Uley."

Paul moved closer to me and Jasper stepped in between us. "I told you they didn't need that much money! I told you to leave no more than a hundred dollars in cash in their cars!" He ran his hands through his hair. "It feels like you're working against me instead of with me, and I can't take it anymore. We could've lost her today."

I reached out to him and he took my hand in his. "I never meant to do that. I guess I gave them too much credit. They are only sixteen."

"Exactly." He agreed. "I just don't know how I'll deal with this while I'm in Italy. I wouldn't be able to stand it if something happened to her. I know you mean well, but it's been a century since you were a kid. I think you forget what it's like to be young and stupid."

I knew he was right. "I'm sorry, Paul."

He pulled me close to him and hugged me tightly. "That's all I wanted. We will make these decisions together in the future, right?"

I nodded. "Of course we will."

I had almost forgotten about our audience until Jane spoke up.

"Do you trust me, Paul?" She asked. He raised his brow but didn't immediately respond. "You don't have to answer. I know you do, because you let me use my gift on you in front of a human. You brought your daughter around me alone. The second you leave for Italy, I can promise you that I won't leave her side until you're back. Nothing bad will happen to her."

He nodded and thanked her. It was about five am and we had training at nine. Paul insisted on going home to sleep for the few hours that he could and I followed him. When the kids were younger I would stay in bed with Paul most nights in case they needed one of us, but I rarely did that anymore. We got to our house and I noticed a lot of the pack was still there. All of the five except for Carlie was asleep in the twin's rooms, Quil was sleeping in Carlie's chair, and both Embry and Seth were sleeping in our guest room. I stayed in bed with Paul until he fell asleep, and then I started cooking. I had a group text with the other imprints and I let them know I was making breakfast for everyone if any of the wolves wanted to stop by before training. I would have loved to stay in bed with Paul tonight, since I knew he was mad at me, but I needed to occupy my mind with something else.

Embry was the first to wake up and he came to sit at the bar in the kitchen. I made him a cup of coffee and he sipped on it and turned on the news. I remembered the appetite of the pack when they were newly phased, so I made a lot more food than I normally would've. Embry hadn't spoken to me since he told me that he blamed me for everything that was wrong with his life. Every time I looked toward him our eyes would meet and he'd look away. I kept sliding food over to him when I finished different things and he took it, but didn't say anything.

"Do you know if Kate is coming to training?" He asked after he finished the pancakes I'd offered him.

I shook my head. "I'm not sure. I haven't talked to her."

He nodded but didn't respond for a few minutes. The timer went off on my oven letting me know that the biscuits were finished, and before I could move to get them I felt Embry reaching around me to get my oven mitt. He pulled the biscuits out and sat them on the counter and turned to me.

"I'm sorry about what I said." He told me. "I'm still bitter about everything that happened, but I shouldn't have lost it on you."

"I understand why you lost it, and I'm sorry too." I responded. "Thank you for going to get Carlie."

He wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on top of my head. "Rosalie, I'll always protect your daughter, no matter what happens between us. I just wish this was all easier. I wish I could tell Abby."

"You better hope the big bad wolf doesn't see you hugging his girl." Seth grumbled as he took Embry's seat at the bar.

Embry stepped away from me and sat down next to Seth while I finished cooking. I wished that Embry could tell Abby too. I decided I'd talk to Alec about it later. He didn't need to tell her about my kind, just about the pack. That shouldn't have anything to do with the Volturi.

I was sitting out all of the food along the island in our kitchen and Seth asked if he could use my phone. We were all used to not having privacy around people with advanced hearing, but he didn't go outside so he must not have minded if we heard him. Whoever he was calling didn't answer.

"Where the hell is Jasper?" He grumbled.

"He was at my parent's house. Try Emmett." I suggested.

He picked up on the first ring. "Rosalie! Are you trying to get me killed? Leah is sleeping!" Emmett's voice was more likely to wake Leah than his cell phone was.

"Sorry, Em, but it's Seth. Where's Jasper? Do you know if he got what I asked him for?"

I couldn't imagine what Seth would've asked Jasper for. Usually if I asked Jas for something, it was illegal documentation of some kind or a large amount of money, both of which were unlikely in this case.

"You mean the ring? Of course. I can bring it over."

A ring made more sense. I was excited to see what Jasper had found for Bree. I was willing to bet he bought it in New York before they left and had planned to mail it to Seth.

"Are you sure you don't want to announce it to Bree yourself first?" Seth growled. "Bring it over before she hears you, I'm at Paul's. I'll call her to come over too."

"Oh! Let me wake up your sister then! We'll be right there!" Emmett yelled.

"Em, wait no-" Seth said quickly before hanging his head in frustration. "Well, I guess Leah and Emmett are on their way."

I decided to wake up the kids while we waited for them. Will and Levi woke up almost as soon as I turned the light on, but the other boys were harder to wake up. Quil woke up quickly, but Gabe and Noah didn't budge. I was going to let them sleep longer, but Will came back with a water gun and sprayed them both. I wished Carlie was here, because I knew she'd be in the middle of their fight.

Once all of the kids were up and eating, the pack started to arrive. I didn't want to bother Paul, he needed his sleep. Jasper came over with Emmett and Leah, and Paul woke up not long after that. He wasn't as cold to me as he had been before we talked, but he still wasn't as warm as normal either. He kissed me before he made his plate, but things still felt off between us.

Emmett wasn't subtle at all when he gave Seth the ring. He pulled it out of the box to show him. It was a massive solitaire on a small, plain band. Jasper gave him all of the details. It was a four karat oval shaped diamond on a white gold band. It was perfect for Bree. It was simple, but still over the top. Seth had already called her, so he shoved the ring back in the box and quickly put it in his pocket.

Paul didn't pay any attention to the commotion the pack was creating over the ring. Bella had shown up with Jake and she was sitting next to him while they ate. Their imprint didn't bother me, but I had to admit it was difficult seeing him be his normal warm self with her when he was being cold toward me.

I was on my way to sit with Paul when I noticed Levi sitting by himself. I'd heard from Gabe yesterday after they phased about what happened between him and Carlie, but I wouldn't let my kids bully him. I owed it to him and his parents to at least hear his side of the story. He hadn't made a plate, he was just sitting in the corner of the kitchen alone. I made a plate big enough for a growing wolf and took it to him.

"You okay?" I asked as I sat the food down in front of him. "You need to eat. I know you must be starving."

He offered me a half smile that didn't meet his eyes. I could tell he was beating himself up over what happened, but he took the plate and started to eat.

"Thank you, Mrs. Lahote." He said. He was always so polite, and never would call me Rosalie. "I'm surprised you're speaking to me. Nobody else is."

I looked over at the other boys and saw Noah looking at his friend but he turned away when our eyes met. "Carlie and Noah would be sitting here with you if she was here." I assured him. "If Carlie was that angry with you, she would've told you two years ago."

"I never called you a pale face." He muttered. "I didn't defend you to the girl that did, though. I was wrong. I'm really sorry."

"It's okay. I forgive you, and my kids will too. I've been called a leech by almost every wolf in the pack at one point or another, but we all love each other. You know Gabe and his temper." He laughed at that. I noticed Noah looking at us again and waved him over.

Noah had Jared's personality through and through. He was the true embodiment of the 'glass half full' sentiment. He was positive in even the worst situations, and I was often envious of his ability to see what even I can't. Noah joined Levi and I at the table and the other boys followed not long after. My son could be difficult, but I knew at the end of the day the five would stick together.

Bree walked in with Kate just as people were starting to clear their plates and leave. Everyone smiled and sat back down when they saw her, except for Embry. He went to sit with the five, I'm assuming in hopes that Kate wouldn't approach him in front of the children.

Leah came to stand next to me and put her hands over her mouth in excitement. Bree looked confused until Seth pulled out the ring box and knelt down in front of her. Carlie was going to be so upset that she missed this.

I didn't hear much of the proposal because Leah was squealing in my ear, but I knew she said yes. I was happy for them. They had been together for a very long time, and they both deserved to be happy. I didn't think Seth would ever imprint, and if he did I think Embry and Kate had proved you didn't have to be with your imprint.

After a few minutes I started to clean up the remnants of the pack's breakfast, and everyone started to head to the clearing for training. Leah stayed behind to help me and I watched Paul slip out the back door with Bella. Her bakery opened a little late on Sunday, so I assumed he was walking her over there. I was glad that Leah was there to keep me company. She wasn't acting like herself, though.

"You okay?" I asked her. "You seem off today."

She grinned. "You always know when something's not right, don't you?"

"Of course I do. You're my best friend, and you're not hard to read." I chuckled. "What's going on?"

She looked down at the dish she was washing. "I want to ask Paul to donate his sperm for me and Emmett to have a baby, but I need to know you're okay with it. If you're not I can ask someone else in the pack."

I knew this conversation was coming. She had brought it up before, but neither of us had ever given her a solid answer. Paul would agree if I was on board, I knew he would. They weren't biologically related, and there was no other way for her to have a baby. I didn't like the idea of another girl having Paul's baby, but how could I say no? I knew her pain all too well.

"You know we're always here for you, Leah. Whatever you need is okay with me." I lied. It wasn't completely okay with me, but I knew she needed this.

She squealed and dropped the dish in her hands in the water and hugged me, drenching my back with soapy dishwater.

"Thank you so much, Rosalie. You have no idea how much this means to me."

I knew. I only wished it was possible for someone to do for me what I could do for her. I wished I could carry a baby myself, but I wouldn't ever be able to. I was eternally grateful for my children, though. Gabe and Carlie were all I'd ever need.

Emmett and Paul both walked in a few minutes later. Paul looked different, happier even. His cold demeanor from this morning was gone. Leah's face was red from all the happy tears she had shed. Paul asked if she was okay and she looked at me before responding. I nodded at her. I knew she'd be asking, I didn't expect to wait any longer than she had.

Our house had an open concept, so the walk from the kitchen to the living room wasn't fall since it was really one continuous room. We all sat down together and Leah turned to Paul.

"I know you've been dodging this question, but I'm getting older and I need an answer. Would you help me and Emmett have a baby?" She was tearing up as the words left her mouth.

Paul turned to me and I squeezed his hand and nodded. He needed to know I was okay with it, and that made me feel better. I wouldn't deny Leah this, but it was nice to know he would've if I was uncomfortable.

"I'll do anything for you, LeeLee." He responded. "What about Italy? You want this to happen when we get back?"

Emmett spoke up. "I talked to Jasper and Jake this morning. We're only in if Leah doesn't go."

"Aro doesn't do well with ultimatums." I commented.

If there was anything Carlisle had taught me about them it was that they had to propose an idea to be okay with it. They had their sights on Leah as soon as they got here, and I didn't think they'd take this news well.

"Jane and Alec are on my side." Leah told me. "I talked to them."

That made it worse in my opinion. Not only did we go against what Aro requested, we were getting Jane and Alec in on it.

"I can see the worry on your face, sis." Emmett said. "Don't worry. Jane and Alec think they need more protection here. That's how we're selling this."

"As long as Aro doesn't touch your hand." I reminded him.

Paul squeezed my hand. "You're worrying too much, babe. Sure, we have another motive, but they're not wrong that Leah being here leaves more protection for our families and their prized guard members."

It made sense when he said it that way, I just hoped they would agree. Our family didn't need a fight with the Volturi, especially right now. I was still going to demand they let Embry tell Abby about the wolves, so this would be a fun morning.

Leah and Emmett walked out the door to head to training, and I started to follow them but Paul grabbed my arm and pulled me backwards. I was taken aback for a moment, but he whisked me into his arms and kissed me passionately.

"I love you, Rosalie. You're my entire world. I'm sorry." He whispered to me and placed a kiss against my forehead. "Thank you, for what you said to Leah. I know she wouldn't have asked me without your permission."

I didn't respond, but I knew I didn't have to. I was just relieved that Paul was feeling better. He led me out of our house and we took off toward the clearing.

Jasper was chatting with Jacob when we arrived. While Carlisle was the leader of our coven, Jasper tended to take charge over matters like this one. Once everyone was settled, Felix asked that the pack phase so they could get started. Nobody argued. Leah, Paul, and all of the pack including the children phased and moved to stand behind their alpha. Jake didn't phase though.

"I have something to discuss with you." He told Felix. "A change in terms of this arrangement."

Felix's expression hardened, and he glared at me quickly and back at Jasper. "There will be no changes. Our terms were mutually agreed upon.

Jake growled and Jasper put his arm out in front of him to stop him from moving toward Felix. "My sister won't be going." Jasper told Felix.

He looked at me again, with a confused expression this time. "Rosalie wasn't asked to come."

"No, my other sister." Jasper said. "If you want all of us to leave our families behind, they need more protection. Jane, Alec, and Demetri deserve the extra protection as well. Leah will be staying."

Felix shook his head. "You have a point, but I'm not authorized to change the agreement. You will have to discuss this with Aro."

"She stays or the pack is out." Jake stated firmly. "My children need the leadership and protection of a few senior wolves."

"I'll let him know." Felix agreed. "Can we train now, please?"

Jake nodded and phased. It was now or never, I decided. I was going to show Embry that I still had his back. I had planned to talk to Alec privately, but this would have to do.

"Wait." I said softly as I walked up to stand by my brother. "You can't change our agreement, but you can make other decisions on behalf of the Volturi, yes?"

Felix nodded. "I suppose that's true. What do you need, Rosalie? Permission to kill Josh Uley? Because you know you don't need it as long as you're inconspicuous."

I heard a growl from the pack and knew it was Sam without looking. "We have always kept our secret from all humans that didn't need to be in the know. We didn't tell our children until we had to. One of our wolves is suffering because he can't tell his human girlfriend about the pack."

The man across from me scoffed. "A girlfriend, Rosalie? You must be joking. I won't allow you to tell a girl that isn't bound to him our secret. All of the imprints know what we are, yes? We can't risk her finding out about us and walking away. If she knows, she must be killed or turned. That's the rule."

"The pack's rule was that we were the enemy, and they're going to fight alongside you." I responded. "He deserves this. We aren't talking about someone he met yesterday. They were together for over a decade before you called and he had no choice but to break up with her."

Alec came to stand by Felix. "She has a point, brother."

"Aro will want to see the thoughts of this wolf before he decides. He will be back in a few days, we will bring it up to him then." Felix conceded.

That was enough to satisfy me for now. I turned around and shot Embry a soft smile. I wasn't involved in much of the training, but I was here for moral support for the wolves.

I was really impressed with the young wolves. Noah was a little timid, but Will and Gabe were naturals like their fathers. Levi stuck by Sam, and his guidance was certainly helping the young wolf develop.

About an hour in to training, Quil was in a spar with Jasper when he froze. Jasper instantly stopped his pursuit and looked over at me, concern evident on his face. Gabe started to run toward the edge of the clearing, but stopped suddenly. Jake was growling, and I knew he'd ordered him to stop. Something must have been wrong with Carlie, but if it had been bad Paul and Gabe would've gone. Quil phased and ran over to me.

"I don't think it's bad, but I'm going anyway. I'm not going to Italy, so I don't really have to train. I'll spend the day with her." He told me. "I promise she's okay."

Paul had phased and followed him and he pulled me in to his arms. All of the hostility between us from earlier in the day washed away when he held me, and the rest of the world faded in the background.

I nodded in response to Quil and he breezed back in to the forest as his wolf. Quil had always shown up even if she only had a paper cut, so I tried not to worry. Bree wasn't training today, so I texted her and asked if she'd go check on Carlie. I knew she'd be okay with the two of them.

Carlie

I walked outside of my grandma's house. It was a cloudy day, her favorite time for gardening. She was making lunch and I was carrying some flowers we had picked up at the store outside to plant in our garden. We had a beautiful display going in front of the house. I heard someone walking toward me. I could hear the gravel crackling beneath their feat, and twigs snapping beneath them. My blood ran cold and I didn't move. I was paralyzed with fear.

I turned to face Josh Uley as he walked toward me. He wore the same smile he had at the airport. I wished I could wipe that smug look off of his face. I didn't scream. I was petrified, but I refused to show him any fear. Many men fed on that, being able to scare women or manipulate them. He wouldn't get the satistaction of scaring me. I resumed what I was doing. I sat down the flowers, picked up my small gardening spade, and slowly walked to the back entrance of the house, as Josh was closing in on the front. Once my back was to him, I pushed the spade against my skin, piercing it slightly. I hoped the smell of my blood would alert the vampires inside the house, or that Quil would feel my pain.

He started to run and I didn't. I knew he'd catch me if I didn't, but I hoped one of my family members would catch him first. They didn't, though. Josh's body collided with mine and he tackled me to the ground. His hand was over my mouth so I couldn't scream if I wanted to. My gardening spade was fully injected in to my leg now. I cried out as loud as I could with his hand covering my mouth, but I knew nobody would hear my muffled cries.

He pulled me to my feet and jerked the spade out of my leg. Blood started to pour from it and I tried again to scream but I couldn't. He kept his hand over my mouth and produced a knife from his pocket that he held at my neck with his other hand. When we turned around, Quil was in front of us with his gun pointed at us. Josh's body was mostly protected by mine. Quil was yelling for Josh to let me go and I noticed his arm was shaking. I looked down and saw that he was bleeding too, but I couldn't find the source. He must have hurt himself when he tackled me. Josh moved his knife from my neck for just a few seconds, but that gave me the opening I needed. I kicked backwards, hitting him in the groin. I heard him yell as he fell toward the ground and I ran as fast as I could toward Quil. I was almost in his arms when I felt Josh's knife pierce my back. The sound of Quil's gunshot and my screams filled the air as I fell to the ground.

I jolted awake and Quil was standing over me. I had waited so long to go to sleep in fear of my nightmares, and they managed to find me anyway. I sat up and looked around the room. Nobody was in here but Quil.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him.

He sighed. "How many times do I have to tell you? I feel what you feel. I'll always find you when you're in danger. Your nightmare must have been really bad."

"Do you have to ask?" I commented sarcastically. "What time is it anyway?"

He chuckled at me. "Of course I don't have to ask, but I am curious what happened that had you so worked up. You were screaming my name. It's almost 11. The pack is all in training, but I'm off work and don't have to train since I'm not going to Italy."

I groaned as I sat up. "It was about Josh Uley. What about the rest of the five? Are they in training?"

Quil nodded. "Since they're new Jake thought it would be good experience for them."

I pulled my hair out of my eyes and tied it back as I stood up from the couch. I went in to the kitchen and started to cook breakfast and Quil followed. I was making pancakes, his favorite.

"Why don't we get out of here today? It's not like you have anything better to do." I told him.

He gasped loudly and moved his hand to his chest. "I'm hurt by your comment, Carlie Sue. You're implying I have no life."

I plated his food and sat it down in front of him. "I know you have a life, Quilly. It revolves around me, your job you don't have to go to today, and the pack that's training for a battle you're benched for."

He started to eat, mumbling about everything else he had going on. "Don't think I'm taking you anywhere just because I'm eating the food you cooked."

I knew Quil, and food was the way to his heart; but I understood now that his heart was already full. I knew he was too old for me, and I knew it was inappropriate. I knew I should be dreaming about Levi or Will saving me instead, but I wasn't. I loved Will, but I had to admit to myself that Quil was the only man besides my dad that I really trusted. Maybe this situation with Josh was changing my perspective, or maybe I just wanted to be around Quil because he was the one that always saved me. All of our parents were imprinted couples though, and I couldn't help but to think about how nice it would be if I was with the man that imprinted on me. This whole situation with Josh was giving me so many conflicting feelings.

I smiled back at Quil. "I don't think it's the food at all. I know you'll do it, because you love me."

Quil blushed but didn't respond. He finished eating and I took both of our plates to the sink to wash them. Neither of us had left the kitchen when I heard the front door open. I hoped it wasn't any of the five.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Bree's smiling face when I looked up from my dishes.

"Carlieeee" she sang. "I have some exciting news!"

Bree was my age at heart, maybe was actually my age when she was turned, and we had always been close.

She walked closer to me and held her hand out. She had a huge shiny diamond on. I grabbed her hand and looked at it closer. It was a small band with a large oval solitaire.

"You're engaged!" I squealed.

"Yes! Seth asked me this morning!" She responded. "Will you be a bridesmaid? We're having in the backyard here next Saturday before the guys have to leave."

"Of course! That's only six days away though! Are you picking dresses for us?" I questioned. "I'm guessing Grandma Esme will help you plan?"

She smiled brightly. "She is! But I think if you just want to pick out a short navy dress to wear that will be fine."

Quil groaned. "Well I guess I know what we're doing today. I don't want to spend my day off dress shopping."

We both laughed at him and he stomped off to the living room. I heard the TV come on and knew he'd preoccupy himself while we talked.

"So who are your other bridesmaids?" I asked her.

She sat down and pulled out a small notebook. "I haven't asked anyone else yet, but hopefully Abby, Rosalie, and Kate."

We heard Quil choke on his water and Bree's face turned red. "You have something to say, Quil?" She called out.

He walked back in to the room and sat down. "Have you thought this through? Embry's ex and his imprint both being in the wedding party?"

Bree shrugged. "They can say no if they want. I wouldn't be part of this family if Embry and Kate hadn't given me a chance. I don't agree with Kate's choices, but I owe everything to her."

"Does Abby even know about the pack? She doesn't know what Kate is to Em, does she?" I asked.

Bree shook her head. "No, but she saw Kate sitting on his lap the night he broke up with her."

"Does that mean I have to walk down the aisle with Embry? You obviously can't ask either of them to do it and if he's not with his imprint because of my mom that won't work either."

She giggled and nodded her head. "Can I go dress shopping with you guys? We can bring Abby too."

Quil quickly agreed and it bothered me a little that he seemed relieved at a group outing versus spending the day with me alone. I was nervous to see Abby. I hadn't seen her since I ran away and I wasn't sure how she'd act toward me, especially now that she isn't with Embry.

Abby agreed to go with us and the four of us piled in to my car. She greeted me warmly, but she was shorter than normal. She was the same way with Quil. She wasn't rude, but not as nice as she normally was. Bree kept the conversation flowing with her wedding plans.

"Who else is in the wedding party?" Abby asked. "Me and Carlie, who are the other girls? And the guys?"

Bree hesitated. "Well, I'm sure Seth will ask his brother. My guess would be Paul, Embry, Quil, and Jake. He may want to include Emmett and Leah. I'm going to ask Rosalie, too."

Abby looked confused. "Who's the other girl, then?"

"Rosalie's cousin Kate. She was the one that introduced me to the Cullen's. I haven't asked her yet, she might say no." Bree sighed. She didn't want to hurt Abby.

"Oh." She responded. "Kate is the girl he was with, right?"

Bree nodded. "There's nothing going on between them, I promise. You know I'd tell you."

"I know." Tears started to roll down Abby's cheeks. "I just can't believe how quickly he moved on. He seems fine."

I felt bad for Abby. She had been with Embry as long as I could remember. I couldn't imagine the pain she was feeling.

"Well, he's not." Quil responded. "He loves you, Abby."

She scoffed. "He's got a funny way of showing it."

"I know." Quil agreed. "But he does love you. Just don't give up on him."

I wanted to change the subject for Abby's sake. I couldn't imagine anything more uncomfortable than venting about your ex and having to listen to his best friend defend him.

"Why don't you just go on and include Sam and Jared too?" I suggested. "They're the only ones of the pa- I mean, family that you've left out."

Bree slapped her hand over her face. "You're right. But then there's Jasper too, and I don't have this many friends!"

"Well, there's Bella, Kim, Emily.." Quil started. "All of the other girls you see every day?"

"Okay, you're right. I'll ask them after I talk to Seth tonight. We may as well ask Jasper too." Bree said.

The rest of the drive to Port Angeles went by quickly. Quil was already hungry again, so the four of us had lunch together at an Italian place. I felt bad for Bree now that I knew she wasn't human and couldn't digest human food. She told Abby she had ate a big breakfast and wasn't hungry, but she still nibbled on some bread.

Quil's phone rang a few times and I wondered who he was avoiding. He hasn't had a girlfriend since Jessica, and that was a disaster. The fifth time it rang, he answered it.

"What do you want?" He snapped. "I'm trying to enjoy my lunch and you're aggravating me."

I could hear a feminine voice but I couldn't make out what they said. "Can't you just bother Jake or Embry? Jasper?" He asked.

The girl yelled but I still didn't know what she said. "Fine. Bree and Seth are all I've got though, is that enough?" Bree glared at him when he volunteered her, but I assumed she had heard the other end of the conversation too. "Fine. It'll be late before we get there. I'll ask Embry to come too."

He slapped his phone down on the table and went back to his food like nothing had happened.

"You okay, Quil?" Abby asked. "Never heard you snap at anyone before."

I was thinking the same thing. Quil wasn't ever usually mean. At least that told me it couldn't be someone he was involved with romantically.

"I'm good. That was Rachel, Embry and Jake's sister." He explained. "She got attacked last night, wants us to come help her out."

I knew what that meant. A vampire had found her. Abby looked much more concerned than the three of us.

"You're taking a cop and two doctors to get in a fight?" She questioned. "That doesn't make much sense to me, Quil."

He laughed. "Of course not. She's moving back to the res. Doesn't want to live in Ithaca alone and Jasper won't go back. We just need to help her pack. Now, if we cross paths with any scum while we're there I don't mind a good fight, but we won't go looking for it."

She shook her head. "I don't know what's changed, but the Embry I knew wouldn't ever agree to fight. Are you actually going to to, Bree?"

Bree nodded. "Rachel is part of our big fucked up family. I don't like her, but I'll go. I'll leave if there's a fight."

"I want to go." I spoke up. "I've never been to New York."

Quil's expression hardened. "I don't think that's a good idea. It could be dangerous."

"I say we take her." Bree argued. "She'll have us to keep her safe."

Quil shook his head but didn't respond again. I knew he'd have to ask my dad, and I didn't expect him to agree.

We finished eating and went to the dress store. There was only one in Port Angeles, and I didn't think I'd ever be ready to go to Seattle again. Quil and Bree both picked a ton of dresses for me and Abby to try on. Abby convinced Bree they all of the bridesmaids should be in the same dress, so whatever she picked today would be what everyone else had to buy too. The sales associate seemed concerned about everything arriving on time, but her tune changed when she found out who my grandparents were. She assured us she'd have whatever we needed the following day.

Quil picked out a short navy chiffon dress for me to try on and Abby was trying on a lavender silk dress. We couldn't have looked more opposite, and Bree loved both looks. She asked us to each try on what the other was wearing, and when we came back out Quil was holding up his cell phone.

"Don't you dare take a picture of me." I glared at him and he chuckled.

"I'm not, but I wish I was now." He responded. "I'm FaceTiming your mom and the other girls. They wanted to see the dresses."

I could hear my mom and the others muttering about which dresses they liked. Bree took the phone and we each tried on ten more dresses. My phone rang and Quil answered it for me. I knew it was my dad; he had his own ringtone. Quil walked outside to talk to him and Bree picked out a few more dresses for us to try while he was out. She gave me her phone and I talked to my mom for a few minutes while I waited.

Quil came back after about half an hour and he was visibly upset. I wasn't sure what my dad had said to him, but it must not have been good. We tried on the last few dresses that Bree picked out and she finally decided. We would all be wearing knee length silk dresses. The maid of honor would be in navy, and the rest of us would be in lilac. She wanted to find out who the best man was before she picked the maid of honor. She knew it should be Abby, but she didn't want her to have to walk with Embry. She told the lady we were working with that grandma Esme would call in her order within the hour.

Quil didn't speak the entire way back to Forks. I was hopeful that he'd talk to me after we dropped Abby off, but he didn't. We drove past Bree's house and straight to the reservation. My dad was waiting on the porch when we pulled up at my house and Quil didn't say a word to me. He had never acted like this before, and he certainly hadn't ever given me the silent treatment. I said goodbye to Bree and got out of the car. My dad didn't look angry, but he was clearly upset. He led me in the house and my mom was sitting on the couch with Jake. I followed my dad and sat down.

I listened to them talk for a few minutes, but my mind was too preoccupied to take in anything they were saying. Quil had always been so happy and kind toward me, I couldn't figure out what my dad said that changed his mood so drastically. He had just preached to me that he'd be here and he would keep me safe, but suddenly stopped speaking to me.

"Carlie, I'm afraid we've got some bad news for you." Jake's voice tore me away from my thoughts.

My heart sank. I couldn't take any more bad news. I had a feeling it involved Josh Uley, and I especially wasn't ready for that.

My dad squeezed my hand and turned toward me, but before he could speak Will burst through the back door.

"Dad, we need you, we came across a leech." Will spat out.

Jake and my dad didn't hesitate and ran out behind him. My mom hugged me quickly and told me to call Bree to come back and she left behind them. I didn't call Bree. I decided I'd rather my death be at the hands of a cold one than Josh Uley. Quil should've come in with me, and then he'd be here to protect me. I sent him a quick text.

You'll always be here to protect me, huh? Hope the guys catch the leech.

I turned my phone off before he could respond. I wasn't interested in whatever excuse he came up with.