Edward was here. I breathed out a sigh of relief as he wrapped his arms around me. His lips found mine, passionate and gentle. I leaned up onto my tip-toes, deepening the kiss. I enjoyed every second of it. My heart fluttered painfully hard against my chest. As we broke apart, both of us were breathless.

His crooked smile appeared on his face. "I'm sorry it took me so long to make it over here. We had some unwanted company."

I raised a brow. "Really? Who might that be?"

Edward frowned, his eyes flickering over to Alice, before back to me. "Mike Newton, crossed our borders again."

Alice flinched from the other side of the room, but she didn't look over at us. She kept her eyes straight ahead of her, watching the movie. She didn't really seem like she was paying very close attention to anything in particular.

This news annoyed me. "Why does he keep ditching his house arrest to head to Forks?"

Edward sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, clearly just as pissed. "It turns out, he found his imprint. Just an average human girl, she goes to the same school as me."

Now, Alice turned to us, anger and pain clear on her face, tears slid down her cheeks. "Are you freaking serious? That bastard found his imprint? That figures. Everyone gets to find their soulmate, except for me." She snapped, pulling her legs to her chest.

"So now we can't keep them apart," I concluded with a glare of my own.

I couldn't believe this. Mike gets away with it again. Why does everything seem to go his way? Why does Alice have to suffer? It wasn't fair. I hated to see her like this. These past few weeks have been complete hell for her. Would she ever catch a break?

Edward nodded, a dark look crossing his face. "However, if Sam wishes to banish him from his pack. At least he wouldn't be able to come back here to La Push. I won't claim him, he isn't welcomed in my pack. But we would keep a close eye on him."

"It's never going to happen, not with these vampires in the area. Sam will hold onto each and every one of his pack members. No matter what. He says there is strength in numbers." I muttered, letting my shoulders slump.

"That's not even the worst news, is it Bella?" Alice said, wiping at her tears. She stared at me intently. She wanted me to tell Edward what happened with Jacob. But I was dreading to even bring this subject up. Edward just got here, I didn't want him to get angry and leave. How would he react? What if he decided to reject our imprint? Turn his back on what we have? I don't think my heart could take it.

Edward looked at me curiously, softly reaching out to stroke my cheek. "Did something happen?" His brows pulled together.

I swallowed back my apprehension. "Yeah, I ran into the alpha of the eclipse pack this afternoon…" My lips trembled under his intense gaze.

"Jacob Black," Edward rolled his eyes. "He is a damn fool, what did he do? He is known for causing trouble, everywhere he goes." It was clear that Edward already had a distaste for the guy.

"W-well, he was acting really weird and said some things that didn't make sense." I was stalling, letting my eyes wander off to somewhere other than Edward's dark eyes.

"Like what?"

My heart skipped a beat. "He said, that he imprinted on me,"

Suddenly a low menacing growl erupted deep within Edward's chest. His body began to convulse. He quickly jerked away from me, with incredible force, he ripped the front door open, pulling it off of its hinges. He leaped through the doorway, just in time to phase right before my eyes.

"Edward," I stuttered, quickly following him out onto the porch. Alice got up from her seat on the couch, to stand at my side. She put an arm around me, holding me back from approaching him.

"Don't get too close, it's not safe," She mumbled quietly. Her eyes stayed on Edward, with a mixture of fear and sadness. "Let him calm down."

I wanted to rip myself away from Alice and go to him, but I couldn't feel my legs. Edward paced back and forth in front of my house, snarling with bared fangs. This wasn't the first time I've seen him in wolf form. But it was always so surprising to see how massive he was. Bronze colored fur and eyes that glistened in the moonlight. He was even beautiful like this.

Things went from bad to worse, as I noticed another wolf approaching from the tree line. One I didn't recognize. He was just as big as Edward, reddish brown fur, similar to Edward's but had more of a red tint. His huge head turned in my direction. I felt a familiar pull. As if I knew him. My body quaked as the two now squared off. They circled each other for a while, but soon a fight broke out.

It was horrific to watch. Trees began to fall as they collided. Ripping, snapping, blood splattering against the ground. They seemed equally matched. But there was no denying that Edward appeared to have the edge here. His speed was amazing. Even though he was matched in brute strength, he was able to avoid the other wolf's attacks. Neither one was slowing down as they tumbled around, taking bites out of each other.

I felt helpless as I watched them, tears streamed down my cheeks. I needed to get their attention. Some kind of distraction, just for a moment. I looked around frantically for something I could use. I knew my words wouldn't be enough to reach them.

"That other one, is Jacob, isn't it?" Alice asked quietly, keeping a hard gasp on me. She wasn't about to let me jump in the middle of them.

"I'm not sure, but I think so, it's just a feeling." I admitted, just as quiet.

"If we don't do something, they are going to completely wreck this place, or worse, one of them is going to get really hurt." Alice frowned, her eyes darting around as well. "Should I call for Sam?"

I nodded, feeling a lump in my throat. I wiped at my tears.

Alice sighed, squeezing my shoulder. "Okay, but don't move, if you get in the middle of them, it's only going to make matters worse. Stay here." She ordered as she let me go to run back inside the house.

It's not like I could move a muscle, as much as I wanted to spring into action, I was frozen. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to see anything happen to Edward. And I may not know Jacob very well, but I'd hate for anything to happen to him either. Especially because of me. I never wanted this. Why couldn't things just be normal and easy for me?

I sunk down to my knees, unable to keep myself upright. It felt like the world was crashing down on me. The weight of the stress was overwhelming. Time seemed to slow down, my heart was aching. It could have been two minutes, or two hours. I couldn't comprehend the concept of time, at the moment. But eventually Sam and a few of the others from the pack arrived. Sam was the only one that wasn't phased. The others lingered at his sides, watching Edward and Jacob's match tensely.

"Edward, Jacob, stand down." He yelled at them, a glare was on his face. His body was trembling slightly, but it looked like he was remaining in control of himself. "I will not allow a fight within my territory. You two were given permission to be here, but if this continues, that won't be the case in the future."

His words did seem to register. The two of them pulled apart from each other. Edward moved to stand by the porch, in a protective stance in front of me. He continued to growl, snapping his jaw shut with an audible click.

Jacob seemed to stagger a bit as he backed up, his back leg looked to be in bad shape. He hobbled along, appearing just as furious as Edward.

Sam set his shoulders straight, glancing between the two of them. He tossed a pair of pants to each of them. "Phase back, both of you, let's talk about this like civilized creatures."

Edward caught the pants in his mouth, there was only a slight pause, before he phased back into a human. My cheeks instantly warmed as I looked away from his exposed body. But it was too late, I had already seen his magnificent body.

Alice let out a quiet whistle, catching my attention. Her face was red as well as she turned away. She glanced at me with a touch of envy in her eyes. But decided to sit down next to me on the porch. She looked just as relieved as I had felt.

Once Edward was decent, he stormed over to where Sam was standing, still radiating murderous intentions. His hands were balled into fists. "This isn't your business,"

I've never heard Edward speak so coldly. It sent a shiver down my spine. But soon Jacob was phased back as well, already in the pants. He clutched his leg, which clearly looked broken. His glare was aggressive as he watched Edward and Sam.

"He's right, mind your own business," He growled.

"Bella Swan is my business. She is part of my pack. You both can't claim the same mate. It's not possible." Sam stated, with a frown on his face.

"It's rare, but this has happened in the past. My elders have spoken about it." Jacob seethed, limping as he took a few steps closer to the porch.

Edward tensed, blocking his way. He glared daggers at him, I could see the tension rising again. "Take another step and I'll kill you where you stand."

"I'd like to see you try," Jacob challenged.

Sam shook his head. "No, it isn't possible, Jacob. I can feel Bella and Edward's connection, when she phases, we all can feel the pull of their imprint. It's absolute. She is Edward's mate. And his alone."

Jacob snarled. "And I'm telling you, that I've imprinted on her as well. I can feel the connection. I want her. She is mine. And I won't share her with anyone."

Edward bounded back up the stairs to my porch, wrapping his arm around me. It wasn't in the way that he usually did. It felt like he was creating a barrier around me. Possessiveness clouded his angry face. But I felt myself relax into his arms. My heart pounded out of beat.

"It's never happened before, your elders were speaking of the false imprint. It is a rare occurrence. But you should know, when that happens, it isn't permanent and it's one-sided. Only you will feel the effects." Sam replied with a heavy sigh.

Jacob's eyes snapped to mine, almost appearing desperate. "You can feel the imprint too, can't you? I know you can."

My heart ached at this sorrow in his eyes. I forced myself to remain expressionless. I didn't want to lie. But I also didn't want to hurt Edward. I didn't know how I felt. There was something there that I felt. It was a connection. But not of a romantic nature. There was a pull to be close to him. But without the intent of love. I had to choose my words carefully. This situation was delicate.

"I feel a connection," I paused, noticing Edward flinch. Sam raised a brow as well, but remained quiet. Giving me a chance to finish. "But it isn't of a romantic nature. It's more like… a bond of friendship. Like how I feel about Alice."

Alice looked at me with a tight smile, before turning to narrow her eyes at Jacob. Her tiny fists were at her sides. She looked like she wanted to fight Jacob now. Did she feel threatened that Jacob would steal her spot in my heart? The thought was almost amusing. I'd never disregard our friendship, merely over a silly imprint.

Edward seemed to relax as well, he looked down at me with a smile, leaning down to plant a kiss on the top of my head. His arms loosened a bit around me, but he held me closer. I could feel myself pressed up against his hard chest. I was semi-aware of his body, how it felt so close to mine. I was distracted for a moment. Hormones spiked within me, but I kept them at bay. Now wasn't the time.

It looked like my words had wounded Jacob, his eyes lowered to the ground, before heatedly rubbing his face. "Maybe it's because we don't really know each other yet. Give me a chance to show you who I am. I'm sure you could end up loving me. The same way you love him."

No, that wasn't the case. I knew that already. I didn't know Edward either, when we had imprinted on each other. He was a perfect stranger. My feelings came crashing down on me in an instant. My entire world shifted right under my feet. I knew our bond wasn't friendship. It was soul deep. Nothing could penetrate deeper.

"Even if that was a possibility, do you really think that's a good idea? You realize any disputes amongst imprints are usually handled outside of the pack," Sam said, folding his arms across his chest. "Meaning, no one here wants a fight to the death."

I felt my face going pale, as Jacob smirked, his eyes falling on Edward. "What if that's exactly what I want?"

Edward didn't back down, his dark eyes held nothing but loathing. But he was remaining in control. There was a slight tremble in his hands, but as I placed my hands over his, the shaking stopped. He exhaled, letting his chin rest at the top of his head.

"What are you trying to say Jacob? Is that a declaration of war against the blood moon pack?" Sam went completely still. "The La Push pack will not side with you."

Jacob snorted, not seeming bothered at all. "Like we would need your help in a fight."

"Answer the question," Sam urged, growing steadily impatient.

Jacob ignored him, instead he took a few unsteady steps towards me. His eyes stayed on my face. Edward growled quietly, shifting me behind him slightly. Tension was so thick in the air, you could cut it with a knife. Even Alice remained on edge as Jacob approached.

"It's up to her." He commented, a smile pulling at his lips. "Say the words and I'll fight to the death, to claim your heart. And I'll win. The eclipse pack is ready. We never run away from a battle."

Everyone's eyes now turned to me.

Sweat slid down the side of my face. "No, I don't want a war. Especially over me. I want to be with Edward."

Again, it looked like I had severely hurt Jacob with my comment, but he forced a friendly look on his face. "I won't give up, you know. I can be whatever you need me to be. If you want a friend. I'll be that. And when you finally realize that your feelings go deeper than that… I'll be here. Ready to make you mine."

"Keep dreaming," Edward mutterely darkly.

"So, will we still be expecting you and your pack tomorrow, for the meeting?" Sam interjected.

Jacob didn't bother turning to look at Sam, he just kept watching me. "We will be there. Don't get your panties in a bunch Samuel."

Sam narrowed his eyes at Jacob, remaining tense. "Fine, we are finished here then. You should return to Port Angeles now. Before things get heated again."

"Whatever," He shrugged his shoulders, before his sights flickered to Alice. A look of guilt came to his face. "I'll tell them that it looks like you are doing well." He nodded to her, before turning his back to walk away.

Alice shot up to her feet. "What are you talking about?"

Now, everyone went silent.

Sam glared towards Jacob. "Not another word,"

"What, I'm guessing you guys haven't told her a thing?" He looked at Sam with a look of distaste.

"Please, whatever you are talking about, tell me." Alice begged, jumping down off the porch to approach Jacob. I went to move to her side, but Edward held onto me fast. I looked up at him, but he just shook his head. His face remained blank, but there was a look of seriousness clouding his eyes.

"You're parents, your real ones. I'll let them know that you are doing alright." Jacob said with a slight frown.

"That's enough, no more." Sam growled at Jacob. "Another word and you can consider this treaty not happening."

What the hell are they talking about? Alice's real parents? So there was something that Sam and the others weren't telling me. I wonder if Edward knew about it? Or even Charlie. Why was this such a big secret?

Jacob raised his hands, innocently. "Fine, forget it," He shrugged his shoulders, before continuing to limp his way out towards the forest. "I'll see you at the meeting tomorrow. Make sure Bella is there." He grumbled, before disappearing through the thick trees.

Sam nodded to a few of the wolves behind him. They quickly followed after Jacob. Escorting him off of my property.

Tears were streaming down Alice's face. Edward released me as soon as Jacob was gone. I didn't hesitate to go to her. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close as she weeped. "What the hell? Tell me that asshole was just joking. I wasn't… adopted… was I?" She searched Sam's face for a moment.

Sam remained silent, watching her with conflicted emotions. "You were never supposed to know about this. Not yet. Your parents were supposed to tell you, when you turned eighteen."

Confusion, fear, anger. You could see Alice struggling to deal with it all. My heart broke for her. I couldn't imagine what she was going through right now. On top of all the things she already was trying to manage.

"I'm tired of being lied to. I demand answers." She bellowed.

Sam sighed, gritting his teeth. "Very well, let's go inside and talk. This will take some time to explain." He didn't hesitate to begin walking towards my house. He walked past all of us and went straight into my house. Like it was nothing. Like he owned the place.

Annoyance colored my face, but for Alice's sake, I let it go. She deserved answers. And we would get them. I walked Alice back to the house, holding her together as best I could. Edward paused on the porch as we passed. He stared out towards the area Jacob had left for a while. Before coming in as well.

As everyone piled into my house, I took a seat next to Edward on the couch. He pulled me into his lap, lightly playing with a few pieces of my hair. It looked like a lot was on his mind. Alice took a seat in the recliner across from us. A sickly look coming to her face. She clutched her ginger ale in her hands, taking a few sips. Her eyes didn't leave Sam.

Sam began a pot of coffee in the kitchen, not bothering to ask, just doing whatever pleased him. I had half a mind to tell him off. But Edward's soothing touch kept me calm. I lightly traced circles against his muscular arms, keeping myself distracted. The room was completely quiet as we waited for Sam. He didn't enter the room, until he had a mug of coffee in his hands. He leaned against the wall of the living room, taking a big gulp out of his mug.

"Well, let's start from the beginning," He sighed warily.

A/N: Thanks to all who took the time to review the last chapter. It means a lot to me. I hope you are all enjoying the story so far!