Hi there. Thanks again for all your reviews! I stupidly named the boy in Finland Sam, while we already have a Sam Uley among the werewolves. I hope you will forgive me for my mistake. This chapter is again from Bella's POV and it is a bit longer than I expected it to be. I really loved to write this chapter, so I hope you are going to love it as much as I did.

La Push

'Calmly breathe in and out. Concentrate only on breathing, let all your thoughts and feelings go.'

She was sitting cross-legged opposite from Jasper in their own study room. She knew the rest of the family called it the Bella-Jasper Sanctuary jokily behind their backs, due to the large amount of time they spent in there together. It was one of those rare sunny days in Forks and rays of sunlight fell through the window and warmed her face. It only reinforced the complete bubble of peace she and Jasper had built around them.

She had asked Jasper for an extra training session of controlling her emotions and it was all because of certain feelings she didn't seem to be able to get out of her system.

The feelings made her unbalanced and confused and she didn't know how to handle them. With all her intelligence and knowledge she was still a young girl.

Jasper held both her hands and gently caressed the back of her hands with his thumbs. Calm flushed over her and she breathed out all her confusion. They sat there for a while, meditating and balancing her inner self, until Jasper ended the session.

'Very good, Bella! You are still getting better every time. I hardly had to do anything.'

She smiled because of his praise.

'All because of you, Jazz.'

'I did sense a great deal of confusion in you, Bella.' His eyes studied her concerned. 'If there is something you want to talk about, you know I am always here for you.'

She nodded to him. Here in their sanctuary she felt like she could handle everything.

'I guess it is just normal teenage confusion. My body is changing and with it comes emotions I have never experienced before.'

Jasper nodded.

'It might be long ago, but I do remember the confusing period of being a teenager.' Jasper sighed, his eyes locked away in memory. 'Changing into a grown-up, the hormones and most importantly the sudden interest in the other sex and the desires that interest brings.'

She cast her eyes down, avoiding his look.

'You have feelings for someone, don't you? That is where your confusion comes from.'

She didn't dare to look up to him, knowing he would see the answer in her eyes.

'You might as well tell me, because I will know sooner or later.'

She nodded defeated. If he checked on her emotions, he would be able to guess soon enough. Besides, Edward was out hunting with Carlisle so there was no chance he would overhear.

'It is Edward.' She told him softly. 'Something has changed between us. When he comes near me or when he touches me, my heart reacts, my breathing accelerates and I feel nervous. I feel so strange around him.'

Jasper laughed.

'You are in love with him, sweetheart.'

She shook her head angrily.

'How can I be? He has seen me grow up, I should see him as a brother.'

Jasper shrugged.

'There has always been a special connection between you and him. You can't help who you love, Bella.'

'What must I do?' She asked desperately.

'You don't have to do anything. Accept what you are feeling for him, if you are meant to be together you will find a way.' He smiled to her reassuringly. 'Maybe it is just a crush, you are still very young.'

He gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

'Just know that you don't have to be ashamed of your feelings. They are natural and just.'

'You won't tell him, will you?' She asked worried.

She could stand her feelings as long as there was no danger of losing the connection she had with Edward. She would never risk that.

'Of course not, I won't even think of it. You can always talk to me in confidence.'

She did feel better, relieved. She threw her arms around Jasper's neck and hugged him.

'Thank you so much, Jazz.'

He placed his arms around her and pulled her closer.

'Anything for you, Bella.'

'Count me in.' Rosalie muttered, just loud enough for Bella to hear.

They were sitting around their lunch table and Rosalie and Alice were whispering about something on the other side. They were planning something and if she knew them, which she did, it couldn't be something good. She let it go though, she had different problems to worry about, like the wolves and her male classmates. She didn't know what the bigger problem was, a bunch of adolescent wolves or teenage boys, probably the latter. She would rather face the wolves any day of the week than face Mike Newton for yet another of his exhausting tries to gain her favour.

She had decided something and she knew it was going to upset her family. She wanted to visit La Push and she flinched when she thought of the reaction she would get from Edward. Before she could decide anything, she needed to talk to Carlisle. He was her father and she respected his authority.

'We will do it this weekend.' Alice whispered. 'It will work.'

Bella sighed. They were definitely up to something.

She waited until after school and walked into Carlisle's office. He was expecting her, smiling the moment she walked in.

'Hello sweetheart, I heard you coming.' He pointed towards the other chair. 'Is there something you want to talk about?'

She sat down and inhaled deeply, ready for the difficult words.

'I want to visit La Push this weekend and I am asking for your permission.'

Carlisle did not seem to be surprised.

'I expected you would ask me soon. May I know your reasons behind the visit?'

'I can't really explain it. It is mostly a feeling I have. I think we need them as our allies. We can't afford to have them as our enemies.'

Carlisle was thoughtful for a moment.

'Going there is not without danger. Young werewolves aren't always stable and we can't protect you if you cross the border.'

'I know, but I think I will be safe there.'

'Well Bella, I have learned to trust your intuition a long time ago. If you think this is a good idea, I will support you in this matter.'

Bella was immensely relieved, but before she could thank Carlisle, Alice came storming in the room.

'Why is Bella's future disappearing this Saturday?' She asked breathless.

Bella sighed and braced herself for a lot more incredulous reactions from her family members.

'I am very glad you came, Bella.' Billy said calmly. 'If you follow me I will introduce you to my son.'

They had dropped her on the boundary line, where Billy waited for her. Edward nearly didn't let her go and it took Emmett and Jasper to stop him from following her.

'Does he know?' Bella asked.

Billy nodded and Bella saw in his eyes he wished it had turned out differently.

'He shifted not so long ago. It is very rare that so many of our children have turned at such young ages. It proves that the war will be upon us soon.'

Bella furrowed her brow. She feared this battle.

'I don't mean to frighten or worry you. I am just telling you what I think. A warned person is ten times more valuable than an ignorant one.'

She knew he was right. Bella walked with him, but she still felt ill at ease. Vampires were her normal companions and she was not completely immune to their hatred of each other.

Billy saw the reluctance in her eyes.

'I know this is difficult for you, Bella, and believe me, we appreciate the effort.'

He walked with her to his house and opened the door for her.

'Jacob!' He called.

A tall boy came running from the stairs. He was good-looking and only slightly younger than she was. He grinned broadly at her.

'Hi Bella. We have met of course, although you probably won't recognize me in this form.'

She smiled back and took his hand.

'Hi Jacob. Nice to meet you in person.'

'Why don't you show her around La Push, so I can make some preparations.'

'Sure.' Jake answered. 'Follow me.'

Bella followed him outside and walked next to him over the streets of La Push.

'Let's see, we have the beach of course and the cliffs. They are beautiful. Do you want to see them?'

'Yes, very much.' Bella answered.

She could always appreciate the beauty of nature. She eagerly followed him towards the beach. They made some small talk on their way and Bella knew quickly that she liked Jacob. Their personalities seemed to fit. She enjoyed their walk. They arrived at the beach and sat down in the sand.

'You were right, this beach is beautiful.' She said appreciative.

'It would have been a lot better if it wasn't such a dreary day, but I am glad you like it.'

They were silent for a moment, enjoying their environment.

'Why is your father the only older werewolf among you?'

'The vampires were gone from Forks for quite some time and many of our tribe chose to become fully human again. My father was eventually the only one, who stayed in his current form, because he was the chosen one, the boy who could see the identity of the legendary child. As long as no new boy was born with that ability it was his job to stay a werewolf.'

'Does it scare you?' She asked softly.

He looked at her.

'Do you mean being a werewolf?'

She nodded.

'Yes, it is so strange to have yourself turn into something completely different. You lose a part of yourself in the process.' He sighed. 'Billy didn't want me involved, so he didn't tell me anything until the last moment. It was an extreme case of information overload.'

'I can imagine.' She said sympathetically.

'Yes, I guess you can. It must be difficult to be you.'

'Thanks a lot.' She said, elbowing him in his side.

'You're welcome.'

They laughed and talked for a while and the hours went by quickly. Bella really enjoyed his company to her immense surprise. After Liam, she had closed herself down for any possible friendships. Maybe Jacob could be her friend.

He suddenly pulled himself up from the sand.

'Stay here. I am going to change so I know what is going on.'

She nodded.

'Don't move.' He warned her.

'I won't move a muscle.' She promised.

He laughed and walked away quickly.

When he returned, he was startled.

'I am afraid we stayed too long. They are a bit angry with me for keeping you away. So we have to go now.'

Bella laughed and jumped up quickly to follow him. They rushed into the forest that surrounded La Push.

'Where are we going?' She asked.

'The meeting spot of our tribe. It is filled with the magic of our legends.'

She shivered involuntary and Jacob noticed.

'Don't worry, nothing will happen to you.'

They walked a few minutes in the forest, until they arrived at a small clearing where a big fire was burning in the middle. Bella saw Billy and the others standing around the fire.

'Finally! You are here. Will you come and join us?'

They made room for Jacob and Bella to stand between them. Immediately as she joined the circle Bella felt energy surrounding her. Goosebumps rose on the skin of her arms and she shivered again.

'Do you feel it?' Jacob asked.

'Yes.' She answered amazed.

Billy raised his voice so all could hear.

'From the day that I shifted and joined my brothers I have seen the child in my dreams and she is finally standing on the grounds of our ancestors.'

He turned to Bella.

'By standing here with us, you have sealed the legend and brought the magic back to where it was first conjured. The circle is closed.'

Suddenly the atmosphere changed and the prickling energy in the air became almost tangible. One by one the young men and boys around her stiffened, their eyes drawn to her. Their gasps raised fear inside her. Something was wrong.

'This is impossible.' Billy whispered, but he was the only one who seemed unaffected.

Bella staggered backwards until she hit a tree with her shoulders. She couldn't move anymore, staring at the trembling boys in front of her. Some of them changed into their wolf forms, unable to face what was happening in their human form. The energy around her became unbearable and she felt tears fall over her cheeks. It was as if they touched her soul one by one and it was too much.

'Don't...' She whispered, but she felt dizzy and she couldn't control her voice.

The forest started spinning around her and her breathing accelerated towards an uncontrollable level. Dark spots blackened her vision and before she could do anything about it her vision turned black and she collapsed.

'Bella! Bella! Please wake up!' Multiple voices slowly entered her brain.

She opened one eye and saw many faces with panicked looks hover over her. All of them had changed back to human form and were surrounding her. They were so close to her, it suffocated her and she could still feel their magic touch her soul. It almost caused her to faint again. With immense effort she controlled her breathing and carefully sat up. Relief washed over the faces before her.

'What happened?' She asked when she found her voice again.

They broke away from her slightly, giving her more room. They turned to Billy for answers.

'I am really sorry Bella. I never could have guessed this was going to happen. I still can't believe it.' He stared towards his fellow wolves. 'Sam? Jared? Embry? Jake? All of you?'

They all nodded, still staring intensely at her. She shied away from their looks, trying to protect her inner self.

'Please, stop that.' She whispered with a trembling voice.

They immediately turned away from her, deliberately trying to look at something else.

'It is impossible.' Billy repeated. 'Some of you have already imprinted. None of our tribe members in all of our history has ever imprinted twice or imprinted on the same person.'

Bella was still struggling to breathe and had difficulty following the conversation.

'It is different though.' Sam said, he was the calmest of them. 'Not exactly the same feeling as with Emily. With her, I felt an overwhelming love, but with Bella it is not the same love. It is mostly an undeniable urge to protect her.'

'Could this be a special form of imprinting?' Quil asked.

'I have no answers, as I said this has never happened before.' Billy answered.

They all looked at each other, deep in thought.

'It does make sense, though.' Jake said and they all looked at him as if he was crazy. 'Well, I am a newbie, but Billy explained all about imprinting to me. The reason we imprint is for the survival of our tribe, right?'

They nodded.

'Well, doesn't the legend say Bella is essential to our survival?' He asked.

'Of course!' Billy exclaimed. 'Imprinting is made to put aside our normal individual feelings and place them in service of the tribe. If Bella is the one we need to protect to avoid annihilation, the tribe needs to make sure our normal feelings won't get in the way of this task.'

'It is true.' Embry said. 'Think about what we all felt the moment Bella fainted. Our own panic with what was happening to us subsided immediately because Bella was in danger. She has become our first priority.'

'Why are you the exception, Billy?' Jared asked.

'I think it is because I already have a strong enough connection with Bella. I don't need imprinting to make sure I will protect her.'

'It is now made impossible for us to hurt her or to leave her unprotected.' Sam whispered, looking back towards Bella.

'They imprinted on you! All of them!' Edward yelled, his voice so loud Bella had to cover her ears.

She had arrived home a few minutes ago.

'Calm down, son.' Carlisle interrupted.

Bella shied away from the angry looks of her family. It was not like it was her fault. Edward tried to control his anger with little success.

'They had no right!'

Carlisle placed a hand on his shoulder.

'As I understand it, the imprinting happens involuntary, an urge they can't control.'

'Involuntary, my ass!' Rosalie yelled, her rage was also beyond anything Bella had ever seen. 'I am going to kill those dogs!'

'You don't have to go far.' Edward said through his teeth. 'They are roaming around the house as we speak, on our territory!'

Rosalie was ready to go outside and Edward to follow her, when Carlisle stopped them.

'Control yourselves, both of you!' He said seriously. 'I gave them permission to be on our grounds. Billy explained to me it is now impossible for them to leave Bella. At least one of them needs to be near her at all times.'

'What do we care for the needs of those dogs!' Rosalie screamed. 'Bella is our family, not theirs.'

'Jasper?' Carlisle tried desperately.

'I am trying, but it is not easy when I am this angry myself.' Jasper answered.

Alice was upset, but not as much as the others and Emmett and Esme were perfectly calm. Emmett tried to calm Rosalie down but she shook off his hand angrily. Esme placed an arm around Bella's shoulders to support her.

'They were never there for her.' Edward said, hardly controlling his voice. 'All they ever did was place her in danger and now all of a sudden they think they have a right to protect her, to claim her.'

'Why did you let them on our land?' Alice asked Carlisle. 'Won't that be dangerous for us?'

'Billy swore to me that they would not harm any of us. He ensured me that everything that hurts Bella now hurts them.'

'Aargh!' Rosalie yelled and she threw one of Esme's precious vases into the wall.

Bella knew she needed to do something. She walked towards Rosalie and Edward and looked at each of them.

'Please forgive me for upsetting you?' She asked. 'It was never my intention to hurt you.'

Rosalie's face immediately relaxed and so did Edward's. He pulled her in his arms and Bella sighed relieved.

'We know it isn't your fault, Bella. We are not angry with you.' Edward ensured her.

Edward let go of her and Rosalie hugged her too.

'What is done is done and it is also hard for me. As much as I hate to admit it, they are a part of me now. Please, I am asking you to accept that, to accept them.' Bella pleaded. 'They will never replace you or what you mean to me.'

Edward sighed and Rosalie scowled, but Bella knew it had worked. Peace was returning to their home again.

Later that week, Bella walked to their lunch table smiling.

'Hey there.' She greeted, sitting down on a chair next to Alice and Edward. 'You are not going to believe what Lauren just did.'

Emmett whistled innocently and Edward smiled.

'What did she do?' He asked her.

'She apologized to me for her rude behaviour.' She gave them suspicious looks. 'Any idea why Lauren suddenly felt the urge to do that?'

They all laughed and Bella couldn't help to join them.

'Let's just say, we inspired her towards the righteous path.' Edward said and he gave her a wink.

Bella felt her heart react again, but this time it didn't bother her so much, remembering her conversation with Jasper. She didn't have to be ashamed of her feelings.

Edward looked at her puzzled.

'Don't worry, we didn't do any permanent damage.' He said, interpreting the change in her heart rate wrongly.

'Is this a story I get to hear?' She asked curiously.

They hesitated, but Alice was too excited to keep it to herself.

'Once upon a time, when a girl we all love left us to go play with wolves.' Alice raised her eyebrows at her. 'We planned the perfect revenge on a certain evil witch to help us pass the time until this girl returned to us.'

Alice smiled and Bella returned the smile.

'It was a dreary Saturday morning...'

Alice rang the bell and gave Rosalie an eager smile. As they expected, Lauren opened the door.

'Hey there, Lauren.' Alice began immediately. 'We heard from Bella you gave her shopping directions and we decided to go as soon as possible. Since it was your advice that made this possible, we thought you might want to join us.'

'Uhm...' Lauren sputtered.

Before she could say anymore, Rosalie and Alice grabbed her and dragged her to their car.

'See, I told you, Rose. She loves to go with us.'

They arrived at the shopping centre and pulled Lauren out of the car.

'So where are the good shops?' Alice asked. 'This is the place you meant, isn't it?'

They looked at Lauren, who was blushing.

'She is not so talkative now, is she?' Rosalie said, laughing.

It was the most crappy mall they had ever seen, but they dragged Lauren inside and demanded of her to show them the good shops. Of course Lauren couldn't.

'Not here either, jeez you are not going to tell me there aren't any good shops here, are you?' Alice asked innocently. 'Because that would mean we came all the way out here for nothing.'

Lauren possibly became even redder than she already was.

'Well, maybe not all for nothing. Look who else are here.' Rosalie pointed towards four males. 'It is Edward, Emmett and Jasper and who else is with them?'

Lauren choked when she recognized who it was.

'Isn't that our classmate Tyler? What is he doing here?' Rosalie asked.

'Maybe we should go and greet them and while he is here, maybe we should tell him you see Tyler as your property?' Alice grinned.

'I do recall her exact words.' Rosalie grinned too. 'Something like, stay away from Tyler, because he is mine.'

They grabbed her arms again and began to drag her towards the boys.

'No, no! Please, I am sorry! I am sorry!' Lauren shouted.

They stopped and signalled Edward. Jasper and Tyler walked away to get a drink, while Edward and Emmett walked towards the girls.

They enclosed Lauren completely, giving her no room to escape.

'So repeat after me.' Emmett said, giving her his most intimidating glare. 'I, Lauren, solemnly swear...'

Lauren's eyes were filled with fear and shock.

'I, Lauren, solemnly swear...'

'To never hurt or threaten Bella again for as long as I shall live.'

Lauren almost choked on her words, but somehow she repeated them.

'Very good, Lauren.' Rosalie gave her a fake smile.

'One more thing, before we let you go.' Edward added threatening. 'You will apologize to Bella for your past behaviour towards her and you will do it soon. If I hear that you didn't, and believe me I will know, we will come back to haunt you, is that clear?'

Lauren nodded shakily.

They stepped out of her way and Lauren clearly didn't know how fast she could get away from them. They chuckled when she rushed off, almost falling in her hurry.