Author's Note: For everyone who's hating me for adding Tanya, I've been planning this since the beginning; I simply decided not to hide it from you all. It's a necessary part of the storyline, and Tanya still isn't going to be showing up in Forks until later on. Maybe some day I'll write a purely Bella/Rosalie fic, if you all really want me to, but sending me hate mail isn't the way to get me to. For those of you who are more understanding and supportive, thanks, and I hope you continue to enjoy my story.

Chapter 12

Bella was completely and utterly freaked out. Seriously, it was one thing for her wolf to desire Rosalie so badly, but for Bella herself to feel the same? It had to be some weird bond mojo, like her wolf's feelings bleeding onto Bella's. It was the only reasonable explanation. Bella would never actually crave the blonde bitch, not like her wolf did.

So why was Bella already regretting her reaction? Why did a part of her-not her wolf, but her-want to return to Rosalie and take the blonde into her arms again?

Horniness, Bella decided adamantly. It had to be horniness.

Good to know, Quil's voice chuckled in her head. From now on, I now know that if you're horny and frustrated, I should stay far, far away from you. That is, if I want to keep all of my fur actually on my body.

Fuck off, Quil, Bella snarled at him, but even she felt her mood lift a little. What are you doing here, anyways? By that, Bella wanted to know why he was a wolf and currently running towards her, but knew he would understand.

We're worried about you, Quil answered as he finally caught up to Bella, running alongside her. And we figured out of all of us, who is most likely to talk to you and still make it out of the conversation with all body parts intact? It was between me and Jacob, and since Jake was pissed, the duty fell on me.

Bella frowned at that.Bella frowned at that. Jake's still pissed off? Why?

Quil gave a mental shrug. He doesn't like Rosalie, and he doesn't like what's going on between you two. He feels like she's to blame for a good chunk of the shit you have to put up with.

Huh. Bella felt a little ashamed that she hadn't realized Jacob was still feeling like that. He was such an easy going guy that Bella felt like he should have gotten over his pissiness by now. It made her worry that she was starting to slip when it came to her observation skills. Well, he's a dumbass. This is my shit to deal with, and the only reason he should dislike blondie is because of her bitchy personality, not because of what she and I have to deal with. What had happened between them threatened to rise to the forefront of her mind, but it was easy for Bella to fight off. She didn't want anybody seeing that but her, especially if that someone was Quil. While she loved joking around with him and wouldn't mind him teasing her about anything else, Rosalie was definitely a taboo topic and she didn't think she'd be able to take the teasing good naturedly.

Soooo…. Quil said after a brief silence, bumping Bella with his shoulder. What else do we have planned for today?

Bella let out a sound that was a mix of a huff and a sigh. I wish I knew. Everything was just so fucked up right now, and Bella knew that nothing was going to settle down anytime soon. If only she could have a day off every once in awhile, maybe she'd be able to survive all of this a lot better. She was already afraid that she was losing the old her. Instead of being a happy go lucky jokester, she was becoming something she didn't like. She was harder now, less likely to laugh, and a hell of a lot angrier. She really, really didn't like the effect being not just an alpha, but a wolf protector, had on her. And honestly, she was afraid that her packmates might soon end up just like her.

Bella? Quil asked, his tone completely void of any playfulness. In fact, he sounded worried.

As she shook herself out of her deep, worried thoughts, she realized she had come to a complete stop and was just standing still, staring at the ground. Shaking herself out of it, both physically and mentally, she started to run again, faster than before.

Come on, let's go round up the others, Bella told Quil. I'm in the mood for a pack party, and someone with thumbs is going to need to order the pizza.

Yes! Quil howled in joy, quickly running after her.

We can have fun, Bella thought quietly to herself, unknowingly to an over exuberant Quil. This is fun. And it's just what we need. We're still kids, after all.

Now, if only she could get Rosalie out of her head. But at the moment, she was starting to fear the blonde.

Bella didn't like how she felt around Rosalie. After all, for Bella, girls were supposed to only be fun and sex, maybe a friend. Nothing closer, nothing that might risk damaging the walls Bella had put up. She had learned a long time ago how dangerous that was, taught that lesson by her very own mother.

But that look Rosalie had given her before she had run...yeah, it had been clear as day that Rosalie was going to do everything she could to break those walls down, no matter what Bella had to say about the matter.

Damn it, that's it. Bella needed to get drunk. Then she'd deal with Rosalie and the other vampires later.

It had taken time, four deer, and quite a few downed trees, but Rosalie had finally managed to calm down enough to return home. However, anybody who looked at her could tell she wasn't up for a single word of small talk, especially concern or questions regarding what happened after she ran off to find Bella. Well, everyone seemed to get her mood save for one annoying mindreader.

"Good, you're here. We have just finished up our plan to protect Angela," Edward said as he ran a hand through his hair. "What we're decided to do is cover her scent while I plant a fake trail so that James won't know which trail to follow. Then we'll get her to a hotel, preferably away from here, to guard her-"

"Why don't we just stay here?" Rosalie snapped, just managing to stop herself from lunging at her brother. "There's power in numbers. Not to mention we have a pack of wolves right next door who are sworn to kill any vampire intending harm that comes onto their territory." That's right, she was opting to stay where they were, possibly even suggesting to ask the wolves for assistance. It was apparently a surprise to the majority of her family, although many managed to school their features.

"Because they can find her here," Edward replied testily. "And James might be able to find out a way to get to her if he can stay nearby. It's smarter to make sure he can get nowhere near her."

"Edward…" Angela started, wanting to put in her own thoughts, especially as Rosalie's expression grew darker. "Maybe Rosalie's right. Besides, my parents will completely freak out if I don't come home."

Edward turned to the human, appearing to be in agony. He reached out and touched her cheek. "I can't….If you were to get hurt in any way because of me…"

"Oh, can it!" Rosalie snapped, getting a shocked gasp from Edward. "You're clearly not thinking straight."

"Yeah, Rose has a point," Emmett agreed in a mumble, which got him an elbow in the side from his mate.

"Shh, don't get in the middle," Violet hissed in warning, worried that both Edward and Rosalie, both who were on clear emotional highs, might turn on Emmett. And while she was protective of her mate and do anything to make sure he wasn't hurt, even she knew that fighting both Edward and Rosalie wouldn't end well.

"How about we take her to a hotel, but keep her nearby?" Carlisle suggested as he stood up, taking command of the room. "Edward, of course, will plant a fake trail leading in the opposite direction. This way, we will also be close enough to call on the wolves for help if necessary."

Alice grimaced, causing Jasper to automatically take the pixie into his arms. "It's a good idea, Carlisle. The only problem with it is that I can't see the wolves. We involve them, and we'll be going into this blind."

"Then we are not involving the wolves," Edward declared, pulling Angela against him protectively. "We need to be doing this using every advantage we have."

Rosalie snarled, but decided not to fight anyone further. "Whatever, do what you want. I have other things to worry about." Like that agitating alpha who actually ran away from her. There was an empty ache in her chest that hadn't lessened, and she needed to figure out how to proceed. Perhaps she should call Tanya? Not only had she not talked to the other blonde in a while, but she and Tanya had a very close connection. Rosalie had always felt that she could tell Tanya anything and vice versa, and Tanya was also older and a lot wiser. If anybody would know how to continue, it would definitely be the Denali coven leader.

"Wait, you can't leave. We need your help," Edward protested as Rosalie started up the stairs.

Letting out a low snarl, Rosalie considered showing just how she could help Edward by shoving a stick in his ass, but changed her mind at the last minute. Now wasn't the time to get into a fight, and if she did, that would just mean it would take longer to get to Bella, let alone how long it would take to get on the phone with Tanya.

Letting out a low sigh, Rosalie turned back towards her family, crossing her arms over her chest. "What do you need? And it better not be stupid."

Before Edward, or anyone else for that matter, could open their mouth, Carlisle stepped forward. "We need to plan further. Perhaps you should stay in the house until we come up with a better plan?

Rosalie snarled, letting everyone know just how pissed off she was. Making sure to spend a good, long second to glare at Edward and his little human, she then spun on her heel and stormed upstairs. She went straight for her room, slamming the door hard, but not hard enough to cause any damage. It was a good thing her room had been sound proofed, or Rosalie would have had something to say about staying at home as well.

Tanya picked up on the first ring, as if she had known Rosalie was about to call. That was another thing about them; they had some kind of crazy connection, one that Jasper had said was almost matelike. They could always feel when the other was experiencing any horrible emotion, which made Rosalie even feel a little guilty. Tanya must have felt how crazy Rosalie's emotions had been lately, but also knew that Rosalie hadn't been ready to talk to anyone, even Tanya, about it. It had to have driven the Denali coven leader at least a little crazy.

"Rosalie, what's wrong?" Tanya asked immediately, clearly worried.

When Rosalie had first picked up the phone, before even making the call, she had taken a deep breath as she had tried to organize her thoughts. However, all her planning went out the window at the clear concern in Tanya's voice, and she simply blurted out four words, "I found my mate."

There was a short pause, and for a moment, Rosalie was worried that Tanya was feeling hurt. She was so much older than Rosalie, and had to have been lonely, still unable to find her own mate. This incident could even feel like she was now losing Rosalie, who felt like the closest thing to her besides sisters, and Tanya might be feeling that, with Rosalie's admission, she no longer had anyone.

"That's great," Tanya replied softly, sounding truly happy for her.

"But it's not great," Rosalie spat, disgusted with so many things; herself, her situation, even Bella for not womaning up and running like a coward. "My mate's a wolf."

"A werewolf?" Tanya demanded, immediately on alarm.

Shit. Rosalie should have explained more first. She knew how dangerous werewolves were, and how the Denalis were about upholding the law since they lost Sasha. Although why Carlisle hadn't mentioned the Quiluetes to the Denalis after they had first met the wolves, Rosalie had no idea. "No, not werewolves. Carlisle thinks they are shapeshifters who only happened to shift into wolves." Taking another unnecessary deep breath, Rosalie continued. "It's horrible. They smell like wet dog, and they have the worst tempers. Just having them around makes living in Forks so much harder. And their alpha is the worst of them all. She's cocky, arrogant, immature, and an overall brat."

"She's also the one who is your mate, I take it?" Tanya asked dryly, already sensing where Rosalie was going with this.

Rosalie let out a large breath, snarling lowly. "Yes. At first, I hated the idea that she was my mate. Hated even looking at her. Every time we met, I just wanted to put her in her place and take a chunk of that pride of hers. I couldn't stand being around her, and of course, there was no way I wanted to mate or mark her."

"That must have been painful," Tanya said, and at first, Rosalie was confused as to what Tanya was talking about. But then she realized that Tanya had come to conclusions that were spot on. Obviously, keeping away from her mutt had to have driven Rosalie up a wall, what with her instincts going haywire. Even without marking or so much as touching your mate, even once, it was painful to stay away from your mate.

"Yes," Rosalie admitted, and to anyone else, she would have felt a large well of self loathing for admitting such weakness. But with Tanya, she felt herself relax, like a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. She sat down on her bed, leaning back against the headboard. "I've basically given up fighting, Tanya. There was an incident today, and I just realized how stupid I was for fighting it, no matter how agitating she is. But then Bella freaked out and just ran away."

"I take it Bella is your mate?" Tanya asked, a tad of sarcasm to her voice. But she then continued before Rosalie could answer. "Tell me of the incident. What happened?"

Rosalie spilled everything that happened, how terrified she had been upon hearing Bella's howls, thinking that Bella had been injured. How apparently Bella had scented the three rogues and apparently gone insane needing to protect Rosalie, which had caused her to howl in the first place.

"It would figure that you would need such an idiotic incident to realize what you needed to do," Tanya said with a low sigh, which made the younger vampire feel a little embarrassed. "And what is this about rogues?"

Rosalie rolled her eyes at the stupidity of the situation and explained the needless drama, with Tanya agreeing with her. Although at first, Tanya was clearly outraged that Edward had told the human the vampire secret, putting the entire Cullen family, especially Rosalie, in danger. Rosalie had to calm Tanya's rage, and they then had to have a brief talk about the situation.

"Your coven should have no problem dealing with two vampires, and as long as this Laurent will not cause any trouble, we will welcome him with open arms," Tanya said, speaking as a coven leader instead of a friend. "And the human will be fine as long as you keep her in the house, well protected. These vampires might be patient, but two vampires will be much more likely to slip up and lose their lives. After all, while one or two of your coven may slip up as well, there will still be six vampires there to protect her."

"That's what I was saying," Rosalie said, sighing in annoyance. "Edward is making a big deal out of nothing."

"I always felt that he was a fool," Tanya agreed. "Especially when he is blinded by his own emotions. Now, back to your mate."

"What about her?" Rosalie asked, scowling as she once again remembered how Bella had fled.

"Clearly, she's feeling something for you, which scares her," Tanya started to explain. "What I would do is find a way to talk to her again."

"Find her and pin her to the ground!" Rosalie heard Kate yell from somewhere in the background. "It's obvious that you have to make sure she can't escape, then all you have to do is seduce her, and she's yours."

"This is a private conversation," Tanya's hiss was clear, despite Kate's cackling. "And you know how I feel about eavesdropping."

"Ah, shit," Kate muttered softly, which was quickly followed by a crash. There was quite a few other creative noises, and then the clear sound of a door shutting and locking.

"I apologize for that," Tanya told Rosalie, her voice completely calm. "You know how my sisters can be."

"Of course," Rosalie replied, more amused than anything. She quickly grew serious as the topic once again came back to Bella. "But perhaps Kate is right, on some level. The last two times we talked were quite chaotic. One ended in us fighting, the other in Bella running away. I don't want either to happen, but…"

"Your personalities do seem to clash quite a bit," Tanya said in agreement. "I know you love your privacy, but perhaps you should have a mediator join you?"

Rosalie grimaced at the thought, but quickly changed her mind. "I don't think I could stand having any of my family around. However, once things settle down a little here, do you think you can come down to be my mediator? Not only would you be able to calm me down when Bella and I start to fight, but your experience will also possibly help out in dealing with the entire situation."

"Of course, maličký," Tanya replied softly, seeming touched at Rosalie's suggestion. So touched, that Rosalie couldn't even complain about Tanya calling her "little one." "Although, unless things become too much for you in dealing with your mate, I would prefer to get Laurent settled first if he does arrive."

"Of course," Rosalie echoed, absently rubbing at the flesh over her heart. The supposedly dead organ was hurting quite a bit at the moment, just from the thought of things with Bella getting worse. "You're the best, Tanya."

"I'm always here for you," Tanya replied, almost a little sadly. "Just remember that, Rosalie. And know that everything will work out with your mate. I'll make sure of it."

"Rosalie! We've come up with a plan to protect Angela!" Edward shouted from downstairs before Rosalie could reply. "We need you!"

In response, Rosalie let out a low snarl that she knew none of her family could hear, but which also made Tanya laugh lightly.

"Good luck," the coven leader told her.

"Thanks," Rosalie replied. After a brief pause, no longer than a second, Rosalie added, "For everything."

"I've told you many times over the years, Rosalie. I'm always here for you, no matter how silly you think your problem is," Tanya said. Rosalie could almost feel Tanya's smile. Most likely, the coven leader was thinking of the few times when Rosalie had called her, only to tell Tanya how stupid it was for Rosalie to be calling her in the first place when she could handle the problem herself.

Rosalie almost thanked her again, only for Edward to once again holler, "Rosalie! Angela's life is at risk!"

Tanya let out another chuckle as Rosalie sighed. "I will talk to you later, maličký," Tanya assured her, and then hung up.

Putting down her phone, Rosalie stood up and started to stomp downstairs. Whatever plan they had, Rosalie's part in it better not take too long. She really wasn't in the mood to deal with any more stupidity than necessary.