Jake's POV

I stood on the porch of my small cabin, watching the sun rise. It'd been a long night and I'd been unable to sleep. Instead, I'd spent most of it phasing in and out to keep in contact with the packs and patrolling the borders of Denali. As a result, I felt both restless and exhausted.

In some ways, I was relieved that Rose had managed to get Nessie to sleep. She may have needed me right now, but I also needed the space to think clearly. The problem was that I felt everything she felt and it could get a little overwhelming, especially when I was struggling to deal with my own demons.

I didn't begrudge Nessie her emotions. She was young and missing her mother, and despite everything, she was worried for my sister and still grieving for Nahuel. The only solace any of us could currently offer her was ignorance, so until we had more to go on, there was no need for her to know she was the main target in Joham's plan.

I shook Nessie from my thoughts and decided to phase again. As soon as I did, I could tell from Sam's mind that he was retracing his steps and analyzing every scent. There was still no sign of the girls and while it was no different to every other time I'd phased in, I still couldn't help but lose a little more hope at their lack of progress.

I reached out to Jared next and was shocked to find his mind absent. Then, I noticed the power shift and realized that at some point in the last few hours Sam had taken back the mantle of alpha and Jared had returned to beta. It surprised me. Regardless of the situation, I would never demote Leah. Still, I knew that Sam would do whatever he thought it took to get Emily back, including taking full control of his old pack.

I quietly listened in to Sam's thoughts and feelings and saw how fragile a string was holding him together. I was certain that only the pull of the imprint kept him going and that thought actually reassured me that the girls were still alive.

I held on to that and changed my focus to Leah. She was now miles north and just hitting Alaska. A part of me knew she was only a few hours run away and pined to join her. However every time I tried to break off into the forest, I remembered that I couldn't leave Denali unprotected. We were already down by three of our best fighters and there was no way I could abandon Nessie.

Jake, is that you? Leah's thoughts lightly touched my mind.

Hey, you. How are you holding up?

I could immediately tell she was frustrated and worried, but there was something else there too, disappointment maybe.

I'm fine, but I'm going to have to stop in the next hour, the boys are getting tired. Is there any news from Barrow?

I'm sorry, no. I'm sure everything is alright though. I tried to reassure her.

It became clear she had hoped I was Cris. Her concern for him was a constant presence at the back of her mind and had been for some time now. I couldn't pretend that I liked it, but I could understand it. Leah was... well, she was Leah - an alpha in her own right. She wasn't mine and I had to learn to let her go even if that was into the arms of another man. Still, despite my logical reasoning, it was something that was easier said than done and the fact that her life had been threatened by Joham brought out protective feelings in me that I couldn't control.

I hope so. Jake, I know this probably sounds crazy, but I thought I felt something just before dawn through the alpha link.

She tried to convey the feeling to me. It was like a tremor in the back of her mind where she would normally feel the presence of another alpha. It was a strong sensation that had filled her with dread and yet it had been so brief it was barely noticeable. I had never felt anything like it myself. I didn't want to think about what it could mean though or have Leah worrying.

I'm sure it was nothing. You're probably just tired. You've been running all night.

She huffed. Sam said the same, although he added in paranoia and tried to convince me to take a break.

Maybe you should rest. You need to look after yourself. You shouldn't be so far from Sam's pack either. What if anyone attacked?

Don't start, she snapped. I'm not a defenseless little girl. I've got this.

How did I put it so it wouldn't make her angry? I know you have, Leah. I just worry about you. I'm allowed to do that, aren't I? I just want you to be safe. I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you as well.

I'm fine, Jake. She sighed. And, I will find Rachel. This will all work out, I promise.

I know you will, I'm just worried about what the cost will be. I could still remember years ago before Nessie was even born when she had nearly died in the newborn battle. If I hadn't intervened she would have been crushed. I know you. Just promise you won't do anything reckless?

Between you, Embry and Seth nagging at me I doubt I'd have the chance.

Somehow I managed to smile. Good. I'm going to leave you to concentrate, OK? I didn't want her distracted.

OK, just let me know if you hear from Cris. Leah was replaying their telephone conversation from yesterday again and remembering Corey's howl.

Sure, sure. I fell into the background with that thought and lessened the link. I could still feel the presence of Sam and Leah, but it was distant and unobtrusive and their thoughts were hidden. I didn't think they would even know I was here. Sam certainly hadn't felt me phase in earlier.

I stayed like that for some hours, running the Denali boundary and trying to digest everything that had happened. There was something about being in wolf form and running that eased some of the tension. I felt stronger and in control phased and less like a scared human. It was amazing how my world had shattered so quickly and how much I had taken for granted. It made me wonder if I had made the right choice. I had given so much up, leaving with Nessie and while I knew that I was bound to her, I worried that I could have made a difference back in La Push. I guess I would just have to make sure whatever I did from here on could make up for it.

I lost track of time until I suddenly felt the absence of Leah's mind and delved into the alpha link, searching for answers. Sam was there and quickly explained that she had run into Edward and was now talking with him. That was partly good news, I could tell Nessie that her father was ok and Leah would have more protection, but as things filtered through Sam and onto me I realized that Bella was still missing.

I was trying to listen to more of their conversation but was suddenly overwhelmed by grief. It took me a minute to realize it was not my own and search for its source. When I had managed to filter it, I realized that it was accompanied by an unfathomable amount of hate and the voice that Leah was so desperate to hear.

Jake? Sam?

Cris? I answered, trying to fight off the intensity of his emotion.

Sam was struggling just as much as I was.

Can someone tell me just what the hell is going on! Cris's thoughts stabbed at us as images flooded into our minds.

I saw flames and blood accompanied by an attacking vampire. As I tried to absorb it, the first thing that hit me was the realization they were true vampires he was showing me and not half breeds. I didn't have time to consider it fully as a fresh wave of grief hit me and Cris continued to bombard us with his memories.

It was then when I started to feel sick and dizzy. Everything he showed us was so vivid and alive that I could smell the scent of burning flesh and timber. A part of me actually felt like I was suffocating in an imaginary cloud of smoke.

Next, I caught flashes of bright orange flickering through houses as roofs collapsed in on themselves, followed by a panoramic picture of his home city in the distance with smoke plumes pouring off it.

His thoughts started to slow down as painful images filtered through from a fight between him and a leech. It was then that I let out a low whine as I saw the bloodied and broken body of his fallen pack mate and was hit with wave after wave of despair. As quickly as it came about though, Cris pulled the image and emotion back and I felt shame follow it.

I didn't mean to show you that much. I just... I didn't know how to explain it. I need to know what is happening. He thought bitterly.

I'm so sorry, Cris. I didn't know what to say. All of us had been hit in one way or another. Nahuel had at least been honest when he said that Joham had been looking to weaken us.

Sam remained silent, anger bubbling in the back of his mind. He tried to send some feeling of understanding to Cris, but there was no real way to convey it.

Cris seemed to brush it away and forced himself into some kind of autopilot alpha mode. He confirmed coldly that he had lost Lee and that Alex and Jaden were missing. I could only imagine what he was going through and knew it would be a huge blow to him and his pack; mentally, physically, and emotionally. To make matters worse, he'd also lost his home in the attack and his community was in ruins.

I couldn't help but run through everything Joham caused in just a day:

Quil and Claire had left out of fear.

My sister was missing, along with the other imprintees, sending the La Push wolves into panic and disarray.

My father was alone and traumatized in La Push, having refused to leave with Quil and Claire. I was worried about him being open to attack, but at least, glad the wheelchair prevented him from going out in the forests with his shotgun. Thankfully, Alice had kindly taken on the duty of calling him regularly, seeing as I couldn't face it and feared he would blame me for everything.

My imprint was at risk from a crazed disgusting monster, and her mother had been missing since last night. We couldn't even send anyone else out, looking for them, in case an attack would be made on Denali or that more of us would be lost.

Cris had already lost so much.

Leah and her pack had been in a fight and a threat had been made against her and even if she refused to take it seriously, I did.

I felt a heavy growl in my mind from Cris and, as if possible, anger on a scale that I couldn't have anticipated. What did you just say about Leah?Where is she?

Sam finally spoke, she is safe. She is with me. She is just speaking with the Cullens.

Sam explained further by showing images of recent events his end.

She shouldn't be out there. Cris growled.

You think we don't know that? You remember who you are talking about though, right? Sam stabbed back.

Maybe I should talk to her. Cris suggested and a part of him lifted at the thought of her voice. He needed her that much was clear.

To my surprise Sam became angry and defensive. I don't think that is a good idea. I'm sorry for what has happened, I really am, but we all know how she feels about you. If she sees what you've just been through it will only worry and stress her out more. She needs to be focused on what's going on around her, not somewhere else.

Are you saying that out of her interest or your own? Cris snapped.

He made no attempt to hide his dislike for Sam in that moment and the animosity between them was quickly escalating. Neither of them where in full control of their senses - Sam was desperate and stressed out and Cris was close to losing it on every level.

I quickly thought it over and tried to be logical. As much as I knew Leah needed Cris, Sam did have a point. We all cared about her and her safety had to come first. Look, Cris, I have to agree with Sam on this one. I know you have been through hell, but let's not put more stress on Leah than needed. If she catches even a glimpse of the stuff you've been through it might do more harm than good. I'm sorry, mate, but we all want her safe. I think it's best if you close the alpha link before she phases back in. She needs to be focused, especially if she is at risk.

I knew that Cris's emotions were running high and Leah would definitely take it to heart. She needed to look after herself and not be worrying about anyone else.

Cris went silent for a moment and then sadly relented. I want what's best for her. Just promise me she is ok and tell me everything you know about this threat?

I quickly replayed everything I knew mindful that Leah could phase back at any minute. I tried to break the Nahuel conversation to him gently, especially, when it came to the half breed baby that was related to Lee. I felt exhausted by the end of it and let Sam finish it off with his side of things and the meeting that was currently going on between Leah and Edward.

The whole process was over in seconds, having shown him through memories, but despite our best efforts to keep him calm, Cris was quickly falling into a fit of rage.

I had to admit, in all of my years in the pack, I had never felt anything quite as intense before from a shifter. Even my own anxieties didn't match his right now and I was imprinted. I guessed with everything it was the final straw. Finally, a moment came where he could hear me once more.

Cris, what are you going to do now?

He paused briefly, his hate still pouring through the link. First, I'm going to find the rest of my pack, and then, I'm going to hunt down the bastard that caused this and make him pay. In the meantime, you make sure nothing happens to Leah. I'm holding you both responsible until I get there.

With that said, Cris either phased out or closed the link and it was not too soon as Leah's thoughts suddenly joined us. I barely had time to gather myself and hide our conversation with Cris and so I remained silent, keeping my thoughts guarded as she spoke with Sam. It seemed that the packs were agreeing to work alongside the Cullens, which I was surprised, but glad for. I did feel disappointed however when Sam initially refused to send anyone back to protect La Push, although I couldn't really blame him given my own situation. At least, he relented in the end after Leah's protest.

He too blocked her out after that, not trusting his own thoughts. What Cris had told us weighed heavily on our minds. Things seemed to be spiraling further out of our control with every second and I once again felt guilty for putting so much pressure on Leah to find my sister. Everyone was so busy looking for the girls that no one was really looking after her and she was just as important.

Sam seemed to feel the same, but tried to console me. Look, she has her pack, my pack, and the Cullens around her. She'll be fine.

Who are you trying to convince? I stabbed back angry at him for no real reason. We were both still reeling from Cris's emotions.

Well, what do you want me to do, Jake? I could ask you what exactly you are doing right now – except for keeping look out on a porch. His thoughts were dark and tinged with regret. You made your choice - we all made our choices. Now, we have to see them through.

It was my turn to lose it and I blocked Sam out as my emotions boiled over. Ripping my claws though a nearby tree, I proceeded to take out my frustrations on it until my pads were bleeding. I hated that Sam was right - all of us had basically put Leah's safety on the back seat when we picked our imprints and let her down. She had been kind and loyal enough to chase after girls who had done nothing except hurt her. She had even thought to check on my father - a thought that hadn't even crossed my mind until we spoke.

I knew I couldn't keep going round in these circles. The reality was that no matter how much I wanted to be back out there, fighting and doing my duties, I couldn't. Driving myself to distraction and wallowing in self pity helped no one. I had to find a focus instead and form a plan of my own. As soon as Edward came back it would be my turn to go out there and I would make sure that I found this Joham if it was the last thing I did. He had threatened the wrong alpha. No one touched any of my girls.

Unfortunately, I'd just highlighted my exact problem though - until Edward returned I was stuck and unable to take any kind of action. This was perhaps why I was becoming so worked up.

It was against my instinct to be waiting on the sidelines and my spirit wolf was clawing to be released.

Cris's POV

I quickly shut out Sam and Jake. I was trembling all over with anger and hate. I looked up at Corey who was standing some feet away also mirroring me. He understood everything I had just been told.

Joham had to be dealt with immediately. He had not only brought death upon my pack and my people, but threatened the woman I loved and taken Maxi's baby.

Jake had explained to me exactly what the baby was and how she was different. She might not be fully human, but I knew if Lee was still here he would have wanted to bring her home. I also knew I would have backed him. By blood or not, the innocent child was a part of our family and she shouldn't be raised by a monster. However, Lee wasn't here. He had died in my arms hours ago, which meant that it was now my duty to bring that little girl home.

What about Leah though?

What did Joham even want with her?

It was bad enough to think that he was only after Nessie, but to then label Leah with the word 'candidate' unsettled me. I would die before he touched even one hair on her head.

Cris, you have to calm down. Corey was fighting to regain his own feelings rather than feed off mine.

I started to pace, trying to burn off the fury racing through my veins.

Thank you, Corey said as I felt his emotions calm slightly. He was still furious, but the feelings were at least his and not mine. Where does this leave us?

I don't know. Jaden and Alex have to be found. Shay and Dylan are injured. We can't abandon Barrow and we also can't be in two places at once.

Perhaps we don't all have to be, Cris.

Meaning?

I think you and Shay should go to Denali.

What? We can't just abandon you?

Look, Shay will be fit to travel and recovered from his burns soon enough. He is the biggest asset if you take on this Joham. I can stay behind with Dylan and we will look for Jaden and Alex. I agree that Joham has to be dealt with and I don't think it's fair for our pack to miss out on that. You're also right about bringing home that baby. If not because it's the right thing to do, then for Lee. And, you should be with Leah.

Corey, I would never leave because of my feelings for Leah.

I know that, but maybe you shouldn't stay here for that reason either. I admit that I'm not the biggest fan of the girl, but at times like this you need to evaluate what matters to you. If she is part of that then we understand. Cris, out of all of us you have always given up the most. If you give up on her, then you will be a fool. Trust me, if she didn't happen to be in the middle of all of this then I might not be so understanding, but she does, so what does it matter?

I looked at my brother earnestly. His brown wolf eyes although sad, showed nothing but sincerity. I admit that this new development made my spirit cry out to go to Denali so that I could hunt this bastard down and also protect Leah.

I looked to Corey, who seemed to have grown so much in the last six months. When did we change rolls?

We never changed rolls. I just grew up. You've shown me how to be a beta now let me be one so that you can join our allies and kill that son of a bitch.

What if the leeches come back?

What if they don't? Corey retorted.

My body was still trembling with anger, but now adrenaline had joined it in anticipation of the run to Denali. I fought against it, knowing what I had to do. I appreciate your offer, but I can't leave, not yet anyway. I need to look for Jaden and Alex. As much as I want to go to Leah, I won't abandon my pack.

Corey seemed to accept my feelings on the matter. Well then, let's start searching.

It was still early morning in Barrow when Corey and I turned back towards the city. We took the trail I had originally sent the twins off on and remained phased, hoping to pick up any kind of scent or sound that could lead us towards them.

As we moved forward, we quickly realized how difficult the search was going to be. The thick ash that covered the floor smelled strongly of smoke and there was a bitter burnt tang that tainted the air. Not all of the fires had finished either and although the flames were gradually burning themselves out they still had quite away to go. It was sickening to think that the chances of anyone being alive in here were low. We just had to hope that the guy's shape shifting ability had given them the edge and try not to dwell on the numerous people that hadn't made it. I wondered what the true number of dead would be in the end. It would be a figure that I was responsible for and I had to live with that.

We were about an hour into the city by now and had passed street after street of ruined homes. We had to maneuver and climb some of the way over wrecked cars and people's possessions that had ended up abandoned in the middle of the street. It felt like another world or like a scene from an apocalypse movie – I had grown up in these streets and now everything seemed so surreal.

Hey, Cris, did you hear that? Corey brought me from my thoughts and was on the opposite side of the street, staring at a pile of rubble which used to be a pizzeria. He had his ear to the floor, listening to something.

I trotted over. What is it?

He listened for a few more minutes before lifting his head and looking at me. There's something under here.

I looked at the tons of concrete in front of me. The building's flattened, are you sure?

I'm sure. Someone's here. I can hear movement.

I trusted his instinct and phased back, knowing I would need my hands. For the second time that day, I wasn't worried about my nakedness and Corey quickly joined me as I carefully started to lift the blocks away.

We hadn't moved much of the rubble when I heard someone banging beneath us and with renewed vigor I started to move quickly. I wanted so badly to see my pack mates, but I would also settle for finding a survivor because it brought hope. I tried not to think about Lee and how he should have been a survivor. I knew I would have to deal with those feelings sooner or later, but I was terrified that once unleashed I would be rendered useless and so as long as I could throw myself into a task I would.

With our strength and speed, it didn't take long to make progress and soon we had cleared a hole big enough to fit into. I looked at Corey and he nodded as he watched me carefully climb into the wreckage. I crouched down low and waited for my eyes to adjust to the dust and dirt around me. In some ways it felt all too familiar to the house where the leech had tricked me last night, but once again I pushed the thought away for later.

"Hello? Is anyone down here?" I shouted. My voice echoed around the rubble and I waited for it to stop.

After a while I heard coughing.

"Cris? Is that you?"

I had never been so glad to hear that voice and although I thought it impossible my mood lifted briefly for one moment. "Alex?"

"Yeah." He called back hoarsely.

At the sound of his voice, Corey climbed down behind me. "Where are you?"

"Corey? We're stuck."

I heard movement a meter to our right as Alex struggled to show us his position. We were both more focused on one word though.

"We?" I quickly asked.

"Yeah, Jaden's here too, but he's hurt pretty badly, man. His arm is pinned and he's passed out. I didn't want to leave him."

I carefully started handing rocks and things to Corey, trying to clear a way to them without upsetting the fragile building around us. I wanted to try and distract them as we did it and was worried about Jaden being unconscious.

Corey had the same idea and tried to get Alex talking. "So why didn't you phase? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, but I didn't dare phase. There's not a lot of room in here and I didn't want to bring the building down or leave Jaden alone. Have you heard from Dylan? Is he OK?"

"Yeah, he's fine. Shay got a hold of him and hauled him out. He has a broken leg and Shay's got some burns but they are fine," I reassured him, hoping he wouldn't ask about Lee yet.

"Good. I was worried. We got attacked and I lost him in the fight. Somehow Jaden and I ended up fighting the vampires in this building when it collapsed. I managed to phase back before we got trapped, but Jaden was in owl form at the time and originally it was his wing that was stuck."

"He's human now thought, right?" Corey asked.

"Yeah, he phased back once he was pinned and has been drifting in and out of consciousness. I think he hit his head. The vampires ran away like cowards when the building caved in... Hey, guys, where's Lee? You didn't say."

Corey met my eyes with a supporting nod.

I cleared my throat and tried to stop my voice from breaking. "He didn't make it."

There was nothing but silence from Alex. Corey in the meantime gripped my shoulder. I felt pathetic with how I was letting my pack down. I was supposed to be the strong leader and instead I was the one teetering on the edge of a breakdown. It was cruel and selfish, but I didn't want to keep retelling what happened with Lee. It was bad enough seeing it all in my mind without talking about it.

Finally, Alex spoke up, "How did it happen?"

I felt my throat closing up and I think Corey must have realized I couldn't speak as he took over from me. I couldn't believe my brother was being my rock and stepping up in my place. I would never be able to express to him my gratitude. I threw myself into the laborious task of clearing the way and tried to block out Corey's words as he relayed what had happened. He continued on for me and told them about the attacks on La Push and about Maxine's baby as well: just as he had finished telling them everything, I lifted the last rock which blocked Alex and Jaden in.

I peered in to the small cavern that had somehow fallen around them. There was barely room for them to move. Alex was lying closest on his back, while Jaden was on his side, passed out with his arm trapped at an unusual angle. Alex reached out a hand towards me and I grasped it. He nodded in understanding much like my brother had and I saw two clean streaks where tears had fallen down his dirt covered face. Gently, I pulled him out and backwards through the hole we had made. Once free, he managed to get his feet in place and Corey helped him climb out while I went for Jaden.

I felt claustrophobic, climbing back into the hole, and was unsure how to get Jaden out. My first problem was releasing his arm and so I looked for something I could use as leverage. After a second, I found a thick steel beam that looked like part of the main structure. I managed to wedge it in the gap where his arm was and called Corey to help.

Within seconds, my brother was by my side and had taken hold of Jaden ready to move him. I counted down for both of us from three, and on one I pushed down on the make shift lever with all my strength. I didn't think it was going to budge and worried there was too much weight above us, but finally something gave way an inch and it was enough for Corey to pull Jaden out of the hole and quickly back onto the street.

I was relieved to see him make it out when I felt the ground tremble around me and quickly scrambled after them. I didn't think I was going to make it, as the whole building started to move, but luckily I hit the air and sidewalk just as the wreckage crumbled into itself.

As the three of us lay panting on the street, with Jaden safely in Corey's arms, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. Somehow, we had completed my first objective of rescuing the pack. Now, we just had to get them to camp and as soon as they were there I could take Corey up on his offer and leave for Denali.

Once healed, the remaining pack could stay behind and protect and rebuild Barrow. In the meantime, I was now free to help Leah and get Maxine's baby back.

AN

So there you go – the long overdue update of Amaguq! It's taken me some time to write, but I promised I wouldn't give up and I meant it.

Thanks as always to my super beta dontcallmeleelee, as well as to the readers and reviewers who have stuck with me this far!