Thanks for all the feedback, I'm considering just posting it all but I've got to switch it all from html form first. We'll see how long that takes, lol

Chapter 19

I tugged at the wrapper on my granola bar as I lay sprawled out on the couch. I half listened to the dull drone of the TV while eavesdropping on Billy and my mom. Neither of them was very exciting. On the TV there was a documentary about WWI and Billy and Mom were talking about Paul.

Paul, who had imprinted on Rachel – Jacob's sister, was evidently spending a lot of time at their house.

"I have to hide the groceries!" Billy complained. "In my own house!"

"Well why don't you set like limits on when Paul can be at your house?" My mom asked, using a concerned voice.

"Rachel said he could come over when ever, and I just got her back. I don't want to make her mad and have her leave." He replied softly. There was a pause and I could almost feel their eyes on me. I didn't look at them but focused on the different types of gas masks on TV while taking another bite of my granola bar.

Then the phone rang. Seth always since he was very young wanted to be the one to answer the phone. It was some weird quirk he had. He dashed out of his room and skid to a stop as he picked it up.

"Hello?' He asked. I was able to hear the muttering noises on the other end. They sounded stressed, frantic.

"Yeah, he's here." Seth held out the phone, "It's for you Billy, its Charlie."

Billy took a quick glance at my mom's face then at me. We all wondered if this was the call we had been waiting for. What was their story, a tragic car accident, plane crash, a weird fast moving disease?

Billy reached out and grabbed the phone from my brother. "Hey Charlie." He greeted, keeping his voice cheerful.

"That's terrible!" He exclaimed. I stood up quickly and Seth and mom leaned forward. Billy held up a hand. "No visitors, not even you?" Billy urged, his brow furrowed in thought. It was annoying hearing only one side of the conversation. "Well I guess Cullen is a doctor and you should respect what he says. I thought you trusted him?" There was a pause for Charlie's response. "Ok, call me whenever Charlie. I hope everything goes ok." He handed the phone back to Seth with a somber look on his face.

"What's going on?" I urged, putting my hands on the table.

"Charlie said Bella and Edward got back from their honeymoon about a week ago. She caught a 'deadly virus'" he said making air quotes around deadly virus. "in South America. She's under quarantine and no one, including Charlie is a loud to see her."

We stood there for a second, not really believing what was going on. I finally broke the silence. "What a load of bull . . ."

"Leah!" My mom interrupted.

"We have to talk to Sam, I'll go call the pack." Seth ran out the door.

"Leah you need to watch your language." My mom scolded.

"I didn't say anything!" I yelled back, clenching my fists.

Mom let out an exasperated sigh and Billy but a hand on her shoulder. Seth let out a howl and by the sound he was in motion as he was calling. "Great! Now my little brother will beat me there!" I yelled as I stomped out the door.

I stripped and phased and dashed to where Sam's thoughts were. Jacob was just phasing and he was thinking about . . . that night. The night where he really almost killed that leech, and almost hurt Bella. He was angry about Sam intervening, his hate was strong. Then he suddenly became self-conscious of us listening in.

So self-absorbed all the time. I thought.

Yeah, no hypocrisy there, Leah. He shot back.

Can it, guys. Sam ordered.

The word guys felt like a sting. I remembered that night when Jake had said he had missed you 'guys' and it made me feel even more excluded.

Sam ignored me, like always. Where's Quil and Jared?

Quil's got Claire. He's taking her to the Clearwaters'. Jacob thought.

Good, Sue will take her.

Jared was going to Kim's. Good chance he didn't hear you. Embry thought.

I, and several others, let out a groan. I defiantly didn't want to hear about the passionate moments of the happy couple being replayed in his head.

Sam let out another howl. Well we're not waiting all day for him. He'll just have to catch up later.

'Sup, boss? Paul asked in his cocky attitude.

We need to talk. Something's happen.

The other's thoughts flickered to Jacob and I felt him shy away. Seth, tell them what you heard. Sam thought.

I heard Jake's footsteps increase in speed so I kicked up the pace. He started thinking about how speed was the only thing I claimed.

Claim this moron. I snapped, bolting forward. I heard him kick up the pace but he was no match.

Jake, Leah, give it a rest. Sam sighed. He wasn't in a very good mood. Neither of us slowed down and he let out a little growl at our disobedience. Seth?

Charlie called around till he found Billy at my house. Seth thought.

Yeah, I talked to him. Paul thought.

I felt a little panic shoot through Jake at the sound of Charlie's name.

So he's all flipped out. Guess Edward and Bella got home last week, and . . . He paused when Jacob's heart started racing. He was overjoyed at the fact that she made it through.

Yeah, bro, and here's the bad news. Charlie talked to her, said she sounded bad. She told him she's sick. Carlisle got on and told Charlie that Bella picked up some rare disease in South America. Said she's quarantined. Charlie's going crazy, 'cause even he's not allowed to see her. He says he doesn't care if he gets sick, but Carlisle wouldn't bend. No visitors. Told Charlie it was pretty serious, but that he's doing everything he can. Charlie's been stewing about it for days, but he only called Billy now. He said she sounded worse today.

There was an awkward mental silence after this. But we all understood, as far as the humans would know she would die of this 'disease.' Jacob's head was the worst to listen to, he kept coming up with worried questions – if I had a heart left it might have been breaking.

Jacob and I burst into the clearing, I was a nose ahead of him. I plopped down next to Seth and Jake went and sat in the 2nd's position. Betcha again. I thought, but he ignored me.

Well what are we waiting for? He urged. We all sat silent.

Oh come on! The treaty's broken!

We have no proof – maybe she is sick . . . Sam thought using soothing tones.

OH, PLEASE! he thought sarcastically.

Okay, so the circumstantial evidence is pretty strong, Still . . . Jacob. Sam's thoughts were slow and hesitant. Are you sure this is what you want? Is it really the right thing? We all know what she wanted.

In other words: even if it is ridiculous we had to respect her decision.

The treaty doesn't mention anything about victim preferences, Sam!

Is she really a victim? Would you label her that way?

Yes!

Jake, Seth thought, they aren't our enemies.

Shut up, kid! Just 'cause you've got some kind of sick hero worship thing going on with the bloodsucker, it doesn't change the law. They are our enemies. They are in our territory. We take them out. I don't care if you had fun fighting alongside Edward Cullen once upon a time. How dare he talk to my brother like that! I stifled a snarl.

So what are you going to do when Bella fights with them, Jacob? Huh? Seth growled.

She's not Bella anymore.

You gonna be the one to take her down? Jacob winced. No you're not. So, what? You gonna make one of us do it? And then hold a grudge against whoever it is forever?

I wouldn't. . .

Sure you won't. You're not ready for this fight, Jacob.

I watched as Jacob crouched preparing to leap and my brother. Sam stepped in, Jacob! Seth, shut up for a second!

Seth nodded in response.

Dang, what'd I miss? Quil chimed in. Heard about Charlie's call. . .

We're getting ready to go. Why don't you swing by Kim's and drag Jared out with your teeth? We're going to need everyone. Jacob thought cockily

Come straight here, Quil. Sam reprimanded. We've decided nothing yet. Jacob growled. Jacob, I have to think about what's best for this pack. I have to choose the course that protects you all best. Times have changed since our ancestors made that treaty. i… well, I don't honestly believe that the Cullens are a danger to us. And we know that they will not be here much longer. Surely once they've told their story, they will disappear. Our lives can return to normal.

Normal?

If we challenge them, Jacob, they will defend themselves well.

Are you afraid?

Are you ready to lose a brother? I nearly snarled before Sam added in Or a sister? But it was still an afterthought.

I'm not afraid to die.

I know that Jacob. It's one reason I question your judgment on this.

Jacob just stared at him. Do you intend to honor our fathers' treaty or not?

I honor my pack. I do what's best for them.

Coward.

Sam's muzzle tightened, baring his teeth slightly. Enough Jacob, you're overruled. Sam's double alpha voice chimed in. The pack is not attacking the Cullens without provocation. The spirit of the treaty remains. They are not a danger to our people nor are they a danger to the people of Forks. Bella swan made an informed choice, and we are not going to punish our former allies for her choice.

Hear, hear. My stupid brother chimed in.

I thought I told you to shut it, Seth.

Oops. Sorry, Sam.

Jacob got up and left the circle. Jacob, where do you think you're going?

I'm going to tell my father goodbye. Apparently there was no purpose in me sticking around this long.

Aw, Jake – don't do that again! Seth whined.

Shut up, Seth. I and several others thought.

We don't want you to leave. Sam said. I felt the tug at my heart at the thought of losing my brother again.

So force me to stay, Sam. Take away my will. Make me a slave. Jake's thoughts were wandering back to that night.

You know I won't do that.

Then there's nothing more to say. He snorted, galloping off into the woods. His mind started to wander back to his wolf like trance and we all couldn't help but worry about him.