Sarah walked in the forest she had long since transformed and was now alone. She approached a break in the woods and halted. There was the scent of blood in the air and it made her ears perk up and her senses become heightened. Her mouth began to water as she approached the source of the smell. Suddenly, she stopped hearing the branches snapping behind her. She heard the growling too late and was pinned to the ground. Her own growling escaped her throat and she threw the other wolf off herself. He hit a tree and a small yelp escaped caused by the pain of such a force. Sarah quickly transformed back into her human force running up to Sam. He had transformed feeling Sarah's hand running down his body slowly to bring comfort. "That's quite a defensive move you've learned." Sarah blushed shaking her head as Carlisle joined them. "It's instinct not anything learned."

Carlisle began to check Sam amazed that he wasn't hurt. Sarah looked up into Carlisle her eyes showing a mix of pain and love. They sat down on the ground collecting their breath. "You did very well Sarah, however you let you're hunger take over your own thoughts." Sarah blushed slightly looking away from Carlisle. "He's right you did very well at defending yourself as well." Sarah smiled before kissing Sam's hand. "I can't believe you two are trying to help me embrace both natures." Sam and Carlisle both smiled looking at each other both of them nodding. "We have different ways to do so." Sarah turned her head looking off into the woods. "What is it?" Sam noticed immediately how Sarah seemed worried. Carlisle stood up looking the same direction as Sarah was. "I can hear someone coming towards us. They seem almost rushed."

Justin immerged from the woods and went straight to Sam. "Someone has come to see you." Sam startled began to stand up before looking at Justin. "Who wishes to see me?" Justin looked almost annoyed but answered him. "He said his name was Jake and that he had a message from the elders. I did not ask anything else." Sam looked at Sarah who nodded before he started to go back towards the house. Carlisle looked from Justin to Sarah and simply sat back down knowing they hadn't spoken in awhile. Justin was the first to break the silence trying to not show his emotion. "So how is your training coming?" Sarah blushed softly while playing nervously with her hair. "It's fine. I'm afraid I have a lot yet to learn." Justin smiled at Sarah looking into her eyes. "I'm sure if anyone can learn them you will." Carlisle stood up looking at them both.

"We should see what Jake has to say." Justin nodded; he understood the constant dedication of a wolf pack. His hand brushed gently against Sarah's and she took it warmly. Carlisle watched saying nothing knowing the bond they shared. It was instinctual that they confide in each other as the only of their kind. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Sarah looked back at Carlisle before nodding. "Yes, the pack is as much my responsibility as it is his." Justin squeezed Sarah's hand encouraging her. He knew it was hard for a woman to assume a man's role when so many wanted her to fail. They walked into the common room and Sarah noticed Jake's stare. It was uneasy and she blushed softly seeing him staring with a new hatred in his eyes. Justin wrapped an arm around Sarah's waist and she leaned into it welcoming the comfort.

Jake broke past Sam and walked up to Sarah. "What are you doing with him?" The question sounded forced and as if it tasted sour on Jake's tongue. "He is my friend." Jake looked at Justin's hand around her waist almost accusingly. "We're." Sam grabbed Jake's shoulder interrupting him as if worried. "How dare you accuse her of anything? I know she favors Justin as a friend and that is it. This is the first time they have talked for weeks now. She has been cut off for her training." Jake looked down at the ground then growled. He broke his position within the pack starting to challenge Sam. "He is one of them! She shouldn't be so concerned with them especially now!" Sam growled and Jake said nothing more, however Sarah had heard too much. "Especially now? What does that mean?" Jake looked down at the floor even more keeping quiet fearing what Sam would do if he did not.

Sam looked at Sarah and for once his words did not make sense. "You can't stay here. It has become forbidden." Sam looked at her reaction then sighed seeing no recognition. "Just pack your things. We'll be leaving in the morning." Carlisle took a step forward but was stopped by Justin's firm grip. He was thankful for it suddenly aware of Jake studying his every movement. "What is going on here?!" Sam sighed then saw Aro joining the group. Aro's voice filled the room as he looked at Sam. "Tell her; see what you will cause by this." Sam sighed but began to speak this time his words clear. "The elders have decided that vampires are no longer welcome. Any wolf associating with a vampire is considered an enemy." Sarah looked at Sam her anger building within her. "Why was this matter not discussed with me first? Why have the elders chosen to hate vampires now?"

Sam was unable to look at Sarah seeing the pain in her eyes. Jake was a true wolf and stood by his pack unaffected by love for a vampire heart. "The vampires killed on our land. They chose to do nothing as humans were hunted like animals." Justin looked towards the door seeing them start to open. Carlisle turned surprised to see Emmett entering the room. Aro welcomed him allowing him to approach the group openly. Jake and Sam could only stare at the sight of Emmett. He was covered in blood, his shirt was torn from his body, and most noticeably his skin covered in cuts. Sarah surprisingly ran to him her arms wrapping around his waist. "Rest now Emmett, what has happened to you?" Emmett shifted his weight letting Sarah help him as he lay down on the couch. "We tracked the vampires, but they only attacked us. They must be newborns for they have no sanity for their own kind."

Carlisle knelt beside Emmett then looked up at Jake. "Does this look like nothing to you?" Jake growled under his breath. "He failed to protect the innocent. That is enough for me to say he did nothing." Sam looked down at Sarah who was now washing off Emmett. At one point such kindness had been shown to Sarah now she repaid it. "You must say goodbye Sarah. In the morning we are leaving and you will not be allowed to speak with any of their kind." Sarah started to stand up but felt Emmett grab her arm. His grip was tight and his face filled with worry for her. It said more than he knew in that moment and she found strength in it. "Surely, I can see my family?" Sam shook his head looking into her eyes with a commanding look. "No, you will live by the rules just like any other wolf. You're true family is dead you would be wise to remember who did so."

Sarah's body froze and the room filled with a quiet unease to it. "My family is here Sam. As far as the one that killed my father I forgive them." Sam's words left his mouth before he could catch them. "That's right you find a companion in the one that killed him. I shouldn't be surprised by such loyalty." Emmett sat up and stood beside Sarah only to halt hearing Justin's fierce growling echo in the room. "Her father was good towards vampires! His daughter is only loyal to his wishes. Tell me are you dedicated to the pack or to your own wife?!" Sarah looked at Justin shocked. "Justin, please don't, I know the answer." Sam took a step towards Sarah and heard Justin growling at him. "She is my wife! I have a right to be beside her!" Sam managed to gently place a hand on Sarah's shoulder looking at her. "You have a choice to make and it can only be once."

Carlisle looked at Sam; his heart felt pain as he felt betrayal for the first time in awhile. His mind raced with thoughts of them bonding over the many fires at the reservation. It gave him hope that this could still be worked out. He knew there was nothing to do about the choice that Sarah had to make. Sarah sighed looking from Sam to Carlisle then her gaze lingered on Justin. She shook her head before stepping even closer to Emmett. "My place is here Sam. I chose the pack before and look where it brought me. I can't betray my family twice." Sam stood there his anger building but he did not show it. Such a sign of anger would be a show of weakness in front of the pack. He put his hand out towards Sarah looking at her unable to speak for a moment. "You, you have chosen them over your own kind. I can't allow such a betrayal to the pack. Sarah, I need your ring for you no longer need it."

Carlisle watched as tears began to form forcing Sarah to fight against them. Finally, Carlisle spoke looking at Sam. "This can't end this way. At least think about what you're doing here." Sam only shook his head. He had given an order and it could not be taken back. Inside his heart was becoming bitter from such loyalty. Sarah slowly began to slide off the ring he had given her then placed it in his hand. Her words came out choked and slow. "I, I hope you find another worthy of this since I was not to your liking. Sarah ran out of the room tears streaming down her face leaving Sam and Jake alone. Carlisle began to walk towards the door only to have Aro stop him. The two left to talk in another room discussing what to do now. Justin watched as Emmett got up and went to go check on Sarah. The gesture surprised him but it was a welcoming relief.

Justin was now alone with the two wolves and he looked at them. "You've broken her heart. I hope it is over more than your hatred for me. You will never have to see what you've just caused, but be aware I won't spare you on her account." Sam growled before leaving with Jake vowing not to come back. Emmett sat beside Sarah in the grass unsure of what to say. She welcomed him beside her and began to cry heavily against him. "I'm so sorry Sarah." He patted her head softly letting her find as much comfort as she could in him. "Perhaps, you will find another more loyal than Sam." Sarah looked at him before slapping him. "He was my husband none were more loyal." Emmett saw James approaching them and looked at Sarah. "No one? Not Carlisle, nor Aro, nor Justin, or James?" Sarah looked up surprised to hear James' name. Carlisle had once said she was meant to marry him and it was starting to look that way.

Emmett got up letting James sit with Sarah alone. "Hey." Sarah could only look at James and the necklace he wore. "I heard what they said about you." Sarah looked at James touching his necklace softly. "Marry me? Help me lead these vampires to find peace with the wolves again?" James looked away. He was too tempted by Sarah's invitation and quickly declined. "I could not marry you. It would be too soon. You seek a love to replace what you've just lost. I will protect you always even from yourself." Sarah nodded knowing he was right. "Perhaps, though I can offer advice?" Sarah smiled looking up at him. "Always." James laughed pulling her close. "Perhaps, it is time you stop denying your inner vampire. I know Justin is a friend but let him get closer understand what you're meant to be." Sarah nodded. "Yes, perhaps it is necessary I become my true self to bring peace to our two kinds again."