A/N: This particular chapter was challenging in a couple of ways. I apologize for not getting this out sooner.

Please read and review!

Chapter 27

Tia POV

After spending a good part of the night doing my first run with Sam, I barely even remember making it back to the cabin, crawling into bed or curling up next to Quil. I think my eyes were closing before I even hit my pillow; my exhaustion was so great.

Waking the next morning, the events of the previous day, the meeting with the Cullens, my phasing, and the imprinting, almost felt like a dream at first. All of it felt so surreal until Quil, who had been awake for several moments before me, looked into my eyes. He smiled down at me as I lay on his chest and the imprint bond tugged on my heart. Quil was the most handsome man I had ever seen in that moment, his chocolate brown eyes, slightly curly hair, and beautiful smile. Beginning to lose myself in desire, I pulled myself up onto my elbow to look down at him, tracing a finger down his forehead to the tip of his nose. Just as I was about to kiss him, a realization hit me.

Does this mean that Quil sees the same in me when he looks at me? His imprint on me would be just as mine, right? Stopping myself in mid descent, this fact humbled me. Before moving to the reservation, I was shy, insecure, uncertain of myself and definitely thought that no guy ever really saw me. Now, here I am, utterly convinced that I had a man in my life who saw me as the center of his entire universe. He would never do anything to hurt or harm me. He would never leave me. He was in all ways possible, mine. Tears sprung into my eyes and one escaped, splashing on his chest.

"Hey…where did that come from?" he asked, worry evident in his tone. He shifts underneath me so that he can get a better look at my face. He brings his right hand up to my face to wipe away my tears.

Smiling at his sweet gesture, I sighed. "I finally understand how you see me Quil. I understand the depth of your love and devotion now that I feel the same towards you." I smile. "This feeling is amazing." I lean down to give him the kiss that he had been waiting on.

His hand slid into my hair as he brought my lips to his. Our kiss was gentle, sweet and full of promise. He pulled away to look into my eyes. "You are my life, Tia…always and forever."

I was about to say something more, when a wolf's cry interrupted.

Sighing, Quil lets his hand drop. "And that would be Sam…saying "Get your butts out of bed you lazy pack of mutts!" He chuckled, sitting up. "Come on, love, duty calls. We're going to have a long day." He pulls me up out of bed. I go to the kitchen to fix us a quick breakfast as he gets dressed. A mountain of eggs, bacon and toast sat on the table as he came into the kitchen. After eating, Quil reminded me to grab some extra clothes to take with me, just in case being around the Cullens became too much for my newly phased self. We walked out the back door, secured our clothing, phased and took off for training.

Third Person POV

The Pack had all assembled in the clearing, in wolf form, waiting for the Cullens to show. Nerves were running high again but there was also an air of anticipation at the thought of learning new ways to take out vampires. Leah and Paul were growling, pacing back and forth at the back of the group, full of a desire to get this started. Jared, Embry along with Quil and Tia watched in quiet wariness as the Cullens crossed the field, walking towards them. Jasper walked into the middle of both groups and immediately started teaching.

"The first thing you need to know about newborns is that they are faster and stronger than us…" he began as he explained the uniqueness of newborn vampires. Afterwards, he took the time to analyze the fighting styles of everyone there to determine their best approach in dispatching a newborn. Each of them had their own strengths and weaknesses. By pairing them up to attack each other in simulated fighting, he was able to give suggestions to everyone that would best suit their particular style.

As the day wore on, an almost comfortable alliance was beginning to form. Paul and Emmett were wrestling full force with one another. Jared and Sam, having phased to human, found themselves deep in strategic discussions with Carlisle and occasionally Jasper when he could pull himself away for a moment.

Tia had participated in the training as much as Sam would allow. Otherwise, he had her confined to the sidelines as an observer. He was, in her opinion, overly concerned about her safety given that she wasn't even fully trained for normal combat. Sitting on her haunches, she lets out a frustrated huff.

What's on your mind pup? Leah asked as she walked over.

I'm feeling next to useless at the moment. I'm not ready for the fighting. I understand that, but it's still frustrating. Tia grumbles as she watches Quil practice with Alice.

Then get a different perspective Tia. Sam said that you're like me. Speed is our thing, not the brute force usually needed in fighting. We can serve as scouts or recon and play just as an important part as those who are fighting those leeches hand to hand on the front line.

Tia considers Leah's words carefully and begins to understand that no one person will win this battle. It takes everyone and each person helps will help in their best capacity. You're right Lee. Thanks…

Oh geez Tia….don't tell Leah that she's right. We'll never hear the end of it. snarked Paul and some grumbling laughs of agreement spread throughout the clearing.

Sam POV

As I spoke to Carlisle and Jasper, I found my unease growing. We needed more information and the pixie Cullen was most likely not going to be able to produce anything more concrete than what she had until it was almost too late. We had been out practicing all day and the sun was beginning to set. As the training is wrapping up for the day, I realize that it was time to call on Tia's ability.

"Quil, phase back please." I ask.

He steps into the trees, phases and comes back, running a hand through his hair to knock out the collected sticks and leaves. "You need to talk to me?" He walks towards me.

"Yeah" I reply, exhaustion written on my face. "I think we need Tia to dream tonight. If we are going to have a chance at winning this battle, we need to know more. Right now, we have no idea how it will all begin which means we could get caught unprepared and that is something we can't let happen."

Quil replied. "I'm sure that she would be fine with doing so Sam. Do you want to come over to our place as soon as we get back to the Res?"

"I think that would be best." I growl in frustration. Things are happening too fast and I'm having a hard time collecting the scattered pieces of the puzzle, trying to make some sense out of everything that is going on. "I'm about to call it a day here. I'll see you over there shortly."

Quil nods and heads over to Tia, probably to talk to her about my request. I look around the field to see that some of the pack had shifted back into human form and were actually talking to some of the Cullens. This sort of familiarity would normally have made me tremble with rage but this time, I can see the need for it. The more comfortable we are with each other now, the better we will be able to fight as a cohesive unit when Victoria finally comes.

Moving out into the center of the clearing and gazing around at the Pack, they can see that I want their attention. "Alright, it's getting late. Let's head out!"

Quil POV

Walking back into the cabin after a long day training, all I could focus on was my Tia and dinner. Sam had told me that he would be over in about an hour to talk to her. As soon as we walked through the back door, I pulled her to me giving her a deep kiss, showing her just how much I loved and needed her. Although we were only a very small distance apart today, I found myself consumed with a deep need to touch her, to fill myself with her scent. I watched the sunlight as it played on her white fur. I observed guardedly when she worked with Emmett or Alice during the training. My mind was filled with her constantly. Sighing quietly to myself, this must be the double imprint. My need to know that she was ok and happy had become an obsession whose pull could very easily distract me. I knew that I needed to talk to Sam about this before the battle. I help Tia get dinner together and we manage to finish our meal before Sam walks through the door with Jared.

Sam POV

"Are you ready Tia?" I ask just after we arrive. The quicker we know what she can see, the quicker we can begin to adjust our plans to the impending attack. We all take a seat in the living room. Quil walks in with a candle and a lighter. He lights the candle and then, sits down in his recliner, pulling Tia into his lap, holding her lightly. Apparently, his wolf needed to be assured that Tia could handle the vision and wanted to help calm her regardless of what happened. I nodded in complete understanding of how he felt.

Tia sits still for a moment before the flame. I watch as her eyes lose focus and an intense stillness overtakes her. Her eyes then dilate as the vision begins to unfold in her mind.

Tia POV

The mists surround me as I walk through the forest. I can hear the rustling of the night animals around me. A flash of red streaks by me, circles me with laughter. "You're mine." her voice taunts. The scene in front of me then blurs and reforms showing pale creatures coming up out of the water, walking onto the beach. Another blur and shift shows the creatures walking past an old saw mill. The last blur brought the pale creatures out of the town and through the woods. All of them had but a single goal. They want her. They will kill her. However, it will be the lone creature only that will succeed. The mists start to surround me once again. Suddenly, I catch a quick flash of a large brown wolf hitting the water unconscious. Fear and panic grip my heart as I recognize who was in the water, not moving. The mists that were surrounding me turn to smoke. My mind races as I fight to get back to the wolf to save it as the smoke and flame threaten to overtake me. No PLEASE! NOT HIM! NO! I scream over and over. Strong arms hold me, pulling me away from my wolf, pulling me from my love. The fire surrounds me as the same strong arms take me out of the fire.

Sam POV

Unlike previous dreams, Tia didn't just calmly blink her way back to us. This time, she screamed her way out, thrashing, fighting the vision in her head. Quil's arms hold her, trying to calm her down as tears poured freely down her cheeks. Hysteria was quickly setting in on her as she mumbled into his chest. Quil was struggling to help her break out of the vision's hold. "TIA! Please….I'm here….honey, calm down." He crooned as he held her trying to bring her back to us. I glanced at him. Quil's look told me that something was very wrong and whatever she had seen was hurting her.

After what felt like an eternity trying to calm her down, she finally crumpled into his chest, still crying and sobbing, shaking like a leaf. Quil held her for a minute longer in hopes that her breathing would slow down. "Tia, honey, what did you see?"

Tia took a steadying breath and explained with a quiet, shaking voice. "There will be 3 fronts of this attack, from First Beach, from the east near the saw mill, and from the north from Forks. There will be a loner who will get into the Reservation to get Bella….and….and…" Her heart beat raced as she began to hyperventilate.

"What else is there Tia?" I ask.

Tia looks up at Quil, heart break written on her face, to say. "Quil, please stay away from water. I can't ….I can't…" she sobs into his shoulder. Struggling to regain her composure, she whispers. "I can't lose you Quil. Please…" She had foreseen his death.

Stunned, Jared and I glance at each other. This situation had gone from bad to worse. They were intentionally splitting our forces but it was the loner that had us the most worried. Who was this lone vampire and how would they get on the Reservation undetected? With the pack and the Cullens already divided and fighting on the three fronts, how could we find one lone leech? Is there any way of saving our pack brother?

Sighing heavily, I turn to Quil who is visibly upset at what this vision has done to his imprint. Tia was still shaking and crying into his neck. In his eyes, I could see his wolf, helpless and scrambling to do anything it could to calm his mate. "I'm sorry about this Quil, but we needed her to look. We're going to leave to give you two some alone time. Would you like me to send someone, maybe Uma, up in a while to check in on you?"

Quil nodded quietly as he held Tia in his arms, trying to soothe her by rubbing her back, murmuring into her ear. You could almost feel the pain and fear pouring off of them. Whatever Tia saw concerning Quil, her fear was immense and Quil was worried.

I give a nod to Jared as we stand. He knew that I wanted him to be the one to stop back by later. Being my second and Quil's best friend, he was the best candidate to do so. He could make sure that Uma made it up here safely and talk to Quil a moment to help him calm down as Uma tended to Tia.

Quil POV

After Jared and Sam left, I stood up with Tia in my arms and walked into our bedroom. I crawled into bed with her, holding her close, hoping that she would relax, possibly enough to find the healing sleep that I know she needed after a vision that strong. It was breaking my heart as she lay in my arms trembling, crying. There was nothing I could do for her that I wasn't already doing.

I'm unsure how much time passed before I heard a soft knock at the door. I heard Jared and Uma walk into the cabin. Uma's kind face appeared at the bedroom door and all I remember is breathing a small sigh of relief. I'd been bottling up everything that I was feeling to help Tia. I felt like I was about to explode with my pent up emotions and pain. I trusted Uma enough to take good care of my girl who was finally beginning to calm down. I crawled out of bed as Uma approached with a mug of her special tea and a sympathetic smile on her face.

"Go outside and talk to Jared. I'll stay right here Quil." She stated quietly, taking a seat on the bed beside Tia.

I gave my love a gentle kiss before turning to walk out the door. Jared was standing out on the front porch, watching the trees. I walk up beside him, lean on the railing, and for the first time in a couple of hours, I breathe. I exhale, letting all of the pent up feelings go as I do. I tighten my grip on the rail as my head drops between my shoulders.

"Are you ok Quil?" Jared asks in a quiet voice.

"No" I replied. "I'm not Jare. It's one thing to need to comfort your imprint, to hold her, to soothe her worries, to protect her but to know that she's seen your death, it's indescribable. I can't wipe what she saw out of her mind. I can't fix this." Sighing, I straighten myself to lean against one of the support beams for the porch, anguish written across my face.

"What exactly did she see?" he asked.

"From what I could piece together, she saw me hitting the water unconscious, going under…" I answered. I stare out into the evening sky trying to collect myself. "It's hard to accept that your end is so near."

Jared thinks for a moment."Quil, that doesn't mean that you are going to die. It only means that you go under. This isn't your death that she saw. It's a warning." Jared explained. "It means that we need to make sure that you stay the hell away from anything remotely wet the night of this fight."

Looking over at him, I consider Jared's words. He's right. My pain and concern for Tia had clouded my judgment. Nodding, I look over at my best friend. "You're right Jare. We can work with this." I add. "However, I think we need to give special consideration as to where Tia and I are at the beginning of the battle. I learned today that I can't concentrate if I can't keep an eye on her. This double imprint has made it so that my wolf and I freak out if we can't see Tia. I can't be on the opposite side of the Res from her and maintain my focus for the fight."

We hear Uma coming out of the bedroom, shutting the door behind her. Jared stands getting ready to leave with her. "I'll definitely talk to Sam about this. We'll make sure that we take care of both of you the best we can, alright?"

I nod my head in agreement as Uma walks out onto the porch to join us.

"She's sound asleep Quil. She needs to sleep until she wakes on her own in the morning. To do otherwise could cause her recovery to take even longer, understand?"

"Yes Uma, I understand. Thank you for coming over."

Uma smiles "She's my granddaughter and you are almost my grandson. I take care of my family, always remember that." She pats my arm as she heads down the steps with Jared as they head home.

Walking back into the cabin, I allow myself to relax and finally calm down. My family and my pack would get us through this. The best thing I can do for all of us is take care of Tia. I quietly walk back into our bedroom to find her curled up, sound asleep. I turn on our favorite soft music, strip down to my boxers and crawl in beside her. As I pull her into my arms, I feel her sigh and smile. She can sense that I'm here and safe. I kiss her on top of her head as I shift to a more comfortable position. Quickly sleep claims us both, taking the day's pain and stress away for the time being.