A/N: Thank you all (as always) for your love and devotion to my writing. I must admit, I think this is the first time I actually start to enjoy New Moon lol but I am eager to move onto the 3rd installment of this journey, so I will be doing A LOT of writing on part 2 tonight. At least that's my plan. Maybe some of you aren't happy with my choice to having placed Ruby in Jacob's shoes, but that's okay. I'm happy with my decision, and Ruby just makes the continuation less dull to me. Until Emma comes back, that is. :) I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Happy reading!

Please, drop reviews to let me know if I should continue or at least that I'm doing a fair job at re-writing these.


Regina hadn't heard from Ruby after the movie theater incident. She almost felt angry at herself for having told Ruby not to get her hopes with her. Maybe that's what drew her away, but what was Regina to do when her feelings didn't match Ruby's… not entirely, anyway.

She had called Ruby's number, again and again and again until a month passed…

"Hello?" Ruby's voice rang on the other side of the receiver.

"Ruby! Finally!" Regina breathed, feeling relieved. "Where have you been? Are you okay?"

"Me? I'm fine. Fit as fiddle." Ruby sounded fine, more than fine, in fact… she sounded different.

"Well, that's good, I suppose." Regina attempted to sound sincere, but the fact was, she was upset that Ruby hadn't even bothered to call her simply to let her know that she was in fact okay. "Do you need anything? I can come over and bring you-"

"No. Don't come out here, Regina."

The coldness in Ruby's voice stung, reminding Regina of a moment that still lived in the hollow space along her heart. "What?" She whispered, her voice shaking.

"Don't come. You stay away from me. Do you understand?" Ruby's voice was demanding, unlike Regina had never heard it before.

"Look, Ruby, I don't know what's going on, but whatever this is-"

"Nothing is going on, Regina. I just need to be alone right now. Please, understand that. Don't call me again- don't come out here."

The line clicked, falling dead.

Regina scoffs, slamming the phone along the wall of the kitchen.

"Hey," Henry is standing behind her with Pete- a friend from work. "Are you okay? What's going on?"

Regina shakes her head, "Nothing. I'm fine," she lied. She had gotten pretty good at lying to her father, at least she hoped so. "Going fishing?" She asks, noticing the fishing pole her father was holding.

"Yeah, but, listen I don't have to go-"

"Yes, you do." Pete insisted, glaring at Henry.

"Pete's right, dad… go. I'll be fine." Regina smiled a little.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," she nods. "Go. Get out of here. Just be careful out there."

"Always am," Henry smiled, reaching for his car keys. "What are you gonna do today? Hanging out with Ruby? Granny told me she was doing all better. Turned out it wasn't mono at all, like we thought, it was some kind of stomach bug or something."

"Yeah, maybe. Although, I may just go over to Zelena's house, study for a bit."

"Well, that's a good idea. Give Ruby a break and hang out with your other friends." Said Henry. "But, remember what we talked about being out there in those woods, okay? Don't go out there alone, not with bears roaming about."

"I won't." Said Regina, lacking promise in her voice.

"Alright, then. I'll see you later." Henry reached for his thermos from the kitchen sink and walked out.

"Don't worry about a thing, Gina. I have his back. Those bears won't know what hit 'em." Pete winked.

Regina smiled a little, but said nothing.


She felt alone again. And loneliness was not good company to keep around. Not for Regina. Not lately. Emma was gone… Lily was gone… and now Ruby was gone. She couldn't think of a better place to go but the one place that only belonged to her and Emma.

That meadow, covered by a bed of flowers and the greenest grass Regina had ever seen. The place that made them both feel closer than ever. In love.

Except now, the meadow was nothing like Regina remembered it. Its beauty was gone, left behind by nothing but dried up, brown grass. Even the trees looked as lifeless as Regina felt. It almost brought tears to her eyes. It was as if Emma had also taken its beauty along with her so that Regina had nothing to cling to, except maybe a memory.

Regina closed her eyes, attempting to hold onto that memory that she was determined to lock away forever. A gasp escaped her once her eyes dared to open, finding a silhouette standing before her. For a moment, she hoped that maybe being back here would have brought her back Emma, except it wasn't Emma at all. "Laurent?" She said surprised.

Laurent was supposed to be far up North. At least that's the last thing she had heard of him. What was he doing back here?

"Regina…" Laurent smiled, his eyes piercing and red. As she remembered them to be. "I must say you've caught me by surprise… I didn't expect to see you here." He strolled before her slowly. One step at a time.

"Neither did I," Regina admitted. "Weren't you gone up North?"

"I was, yes," Laurent grinned. "But I can never stay in one place for too long. And then I recalled Mal's invitation. I thought I'd take her up on her offer. Imagine my surprise when I find the place empty. I'm surprised they left you behind. Weren't you sort of a pet of theirs?"

"Something like that." Regina tried for a small smile. She takes a small step back, watching as Laurent's red, beaming eyes follow her every movement carefully.

"Do the Swan's visit often?" He asks, taking small steps forward.

"Lie." Emma's beautiful voice whispered anxiously from Regina's memory.

Regina did what the voice told her to do, "Absolutely, all the time." She tries for her voice to sound relaxed and collected.

"Hmm," Laurent hums, continuing his steps forward toward Regina. "The house smelled like it had been vacant for a while…" His head tilts quizzically.

"You must lie better than that, Gina," Emma's voice urged.

Regina tried better, "Mal… I'll have to mention to her that you stopped by. I know she'll be sorry to have missed your visit." She paused for a second, "But I probably shouldn't mention it to… Emma," she can barely force her tongue to say her name, and was afraid that the pain of voicing her name out loud gave her away to Laurent. "Because she's pretty protective of me. As I'm sure you remember. She's still very angry about the whole Hyde thing."

"Is she really?" Laurent asked skeptically.

"She is," Regina nods, trying her bluff. A gasp escaped her as Laurent was standing closer to her. In her head, she could hear Emma's low and disgruntled snarl.

"Don't move." Emma's voice demanded.

"What are you doing back here, really?" Regina asked, trying so hard not to breathe.

"I came as a… favor to Victoria."

Victoria? That's a name Regina hadn't heard in a while, "Victoria?" She echoed out in a murmur.

Laurent nods, "She wanted me to get a lay of the land for her, so to speak. She figured it would only be fair if she killed Emma's mate, the way she killed hers."

"Threaten him!" Emma's voice demanded once again.

"I don't think you want to do that…" Regina breathed, wanting to take a step back but unable. "Emma… she will know that it was you who did it, and she'll come after you."

Laurent chuckled, his red piercing eyes only darkening. "Oh, I don't think she will. Emma's far away… isn't she? Besides, how much could you really mean to her if she left you behind, unprotected?" He sighed, "Victoria won't be happy with my killing you."

"Beg."

"You don't have to do this," Regina begged as Emma's voice told her. "Just know, you won't get away with it."

"And why not?" Laurent's smile widened. "The scent will wash away with the next rain. No one will find your body- you'll simply go missing, like so many, many other humans. There's no reason for Emma to think of me, if she cares enough to investigate. This is nothing personal, let me assure you, Regina. Just thirst. I'm afraid… I can't help myself. You smell… so mouthwatering."

Regina dares to take a step back and gasps rather loudly as she finds Laurent standing an inch away from her face. "Please…"

"Shhh, shhh… I am doing you a kindness," he whispers, his hands hovering along Regina's face. "If you only knew what Victoria has planned for you. Trust me, you will be glad it was me who killed you. I'll make it quick, you won't feel a thing. I promise."

Regina shut her eyes, accepting her fate, because there would be no use to run. Not from a vampire like Laurent, who would catch her before she even attempted to move. She thought of Emma, hoping that from wherever she was, she could hear her. "Emma, I love you," she whispered.

A loud snap! Startles Regina but it doesn't get her to open her eyes. Was this it? Was she dead? Because she could recall the experience being much more painful the last time she was bitten.

"I don't believe it…" She heard Laurent whisper. And Regina's eyes sprung open. His complexion was paler than before, and Regina whipped her head around at the sound of a low growl coming from within the trees.

And that's when she sees it. Regina's eyes grow wide, her mouth falls open to the sight of a very large white wolf stepping out of the darkness of the forest, like a shadow, despite its color. Its eyes were green and menacing as they glared in Laurent's direction. The growl only seemed to continue behind its throat, the more they approached him. Laurent was scared. Something Regina didn't think was possible. She never imagined vampires ever being afraid of nothing.

Regina softly gasped at the sight of four more massive wolves, falling in line behind the large white one. They waited. The white wolf with green eyes stood on all fours, its chest puffed out, and Regina had to look up to look into its eyes.

Laurent left behind its desire for thirst, sprinting off into the forest, disappearing from Regina's line of sight. Regina could recall all wolves sprinting off after the frightened vampire, growling louder as they did. Their teeth bared. She simply did what Emma's voice told her to do. She stood still, watching everything unfold before her.

Laurent reappeared in the distance of the forest, whipped around and delivered a back hand swing at the white wolf. Regina heard its cries and watched as its body flew all the way back where she was standing. How easily it stood back up, shook off its rapid state of shock and ran right back toward Laurent. The wolf was looking to kill him.

Regina froze over, seeing the last of the wolves at close proximity to her. It was large, but not quite as large as the white one. This one had red-brown fur, its eyes blue. She couldn't understand it, but at that moment, Regina thought of Ruby. The way the animal's eyes moved in Regina's direction, just wasn't normal for a wolf to do. Much less one this massive in size. She watched as the animal faced forward, snarling and baring its teeth. The hairs along the animal's back stood up in formation before it took off running to join the others in hunt for Laurent.


Regina hadn't realized how late it was when she parked into the driveway of her house. She was happy however to see her father's cruiser in its usual spot. "Dad!" She ran in.

"Gina?" Henry sprinted off the couch, startled from his sleeping state. The television had been left on on a hockey game. "Where the hell were you?" He asked, glancing down at his watch. "And don't tell me you were with Zelena, because I called there and her mother said she's been grounded for the last-"

"No, dad- listen to me! I saw it!" Regina said breathlessly.

"Alright, slow down, slow- you saw what? What did you see? And most importantly, where were you?" Henry's hand glued to his hip.

"In the woods, they are not bears," Regina breathed, her chest heaving.

"The woods?" Henry rolls his eyes, rubbing a finger along his temple. "Regina, what did I tell you about staying clear of those woods?"

"Listen to me, please! It's not a bear, dad! It's not what everyone's been saying. They are wolves! Huge wolves."

"Calm down," Henry held out his hand, holding on onto his daughter's shoulder as his eyes locked on Regina's. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes," Regina nods, frantically. "I saw them. They came out of the woods, out of nowhere- they were after… something."

Wolves in Forks? Henry had never heard of such a thing, but he also didn't think Regina would lie to him. Not about something like this. "How many wolves did you see?" He asks.

"Five. The biggest one of all, was white, all white."

"Are you sure?"

Regina nodded, unable to produce anymore words about what she saw.

"Alright, then," Henry taps the breakfast table with the palm of his hand and stands. "I'll go into the station, get some of my men together."

Regina's heart accelerated in her chest. If what Laurent said was true, and Victoria was having him check on her, then that must mean that she could be close. She could be out there… "Dad, wait!" She shouted.

Henry whipped around, his eyes wide. "What? What is it?"

Except Regina couldn't say anything. Not about vampires. That would put the Swan's in jeopardy, and lessen the chances of them ever returning to Forks. If such a thing were possible anymore. "Just… be extra careful. Please."

"Always am. And please, Regina… can you just- for once- stay in the house?"

Regina nods.

Henry grabs his jacket and heads out the door.


Kathryn storms into what was their home for the next couple of months, "You have me babysit the human, when she is more than perfectly safe."

"What are you doing back?" Mal asked. "You need to stay out there in case-"

"Mal, she is more than fine," Kathryn rolled her eyes. "Emma's little human… she's been keeping company with werewolves. One in particular."

"What?" Heads turn in Emma's direction, her eyes bright and wide in anger.

"Emma… when did you get back?" Mal asked.

"Who is it?" Emma asks, her jaw clenching.

"Kathryn," Mal shakes her head.

"She should know, Mal… why hide it? Lily here couldn't even see them coming." Kathryn turns to Emma. "Laurent was about to kill her, when a pack of wolves saved her. One in particular… I think you know who."

"Emma," August reached for his sister's shoulder.

"I'm going back to Brazil, and no-" she turns to August. "You are not coming with me."

"Emma…" Lily calls out, "Regina loves you. You have to know that."

"I do know that," Emma looks over her shoulder. "That's why I have to stay far away. Regina will be safe as long as she's with her, as much as that thought angers me."

"Emma," Mal spoke up in an authoritative voice. "Think about what you're doing to yourself. Now, I think that's enough. You are not walking out on this family."

"I'm not walking out, Mal. I just want to be alone." Said Emma, vanishing in a sprint.


Regina did stay in the house… until the next day. Rain had decided to pour, and if Victoria was lurking anywhere near. It wouldn't have been a good idea for her to be driving around Forks on her own. But, she needed to see Ruby. Talk to her. Figure out- try to understand what was happening with her.

The front door to Granny Lucas' home swung open before Regina could pound on it. "Regina," Eugenia nods in greeting.

"I need to see Ruby." Said Regina. One thing she picked up on was that Eugenia wasn't smiling like she always smiled at her. Almost as if she was no longer wanted here.

Regina followed Granny Lucas' line of sight, whipping around as she noticed Ruby walking up to the house. She seemed so angry that her feet were storming. She wore her short shorts as usual, along with a red flannel that stuck to her drenched skin. She looked different somehow. Her hair was picked up in a wet ponytail, loose strands stuck to the sides of her face.

"Ruby…" Regina whispered, hearing the door to the house slam behind her.

"What are you doing here, Gina?" Ruby asked in a snarl. Her eyes that were once a light blue, were now dark blue, staring intensely into Regina's.

Regina looked over Ruby's shoulder to discover that they weren't alone. In the distance, a group of four waited patiently for her. All shirtless, bodies toned- too toned for a pair of teenagers- short dark hair cuts. She recognized Quil and Embry as part of the group, they too looked very different from how Regina remembered them. And in the middle of all of them, appeared Graham. Tall, muscular, annoyingly handsome. His eyes never leave them, even from afar.

It was at that moment that Regina's fists clenched balled tightly, until her nails dug inside of her palms. It was at this moment that Regina felt so angry with a group she hardly knew- with Ruby- for allowing herself to be pulled into this gang as she once called it. Because that's what's clearly happened here. And now more than ever, was the moment where Regina wished to be a vampire. She wanted to be strong. Someone people would fear and crumble to her golden cold stare.

"What do you want?" Ruby demanded, her expression hardened even before Regina's saddened eyes.

"I came to talk to you," Regina's voice trembled from the cold rain.

"Go ahead," Ruby lifted her chin. It surprised Regina to see her glaring down at her like this, so vicious, so angry.

"Alone!" Regina shouted, glaring over Ruby's shoulder directly in the direction of the group.

Ruby glances over her shoulder, her eyes on Graham, along with everyone else's as they wait for him to give his approval. Once Graham gave a single nod, Ruby turned back to Regina. "Okay," she nods, her fury seemed to vanish once the others had disappeared. It was frightening to see the sudden change in her eyes. Even through the blue in her iris, changing back to the brighter color Regina knew.

Regina followed Ruby as they walked over to the garage, a place where they used to be the best of friends. What changed? Regina didn't have a chance to ask Ruby that question.

"So?" Ruby waits, drenched from the hardened rain that could no longer affect them as they seeked shelter inside of the garage.

"What's happened to you? What is going on with Graham and his gang? I thought you didn't like him." Regina demanded this time, seeing a flinch of anger come across Ruby's face.

"It's not what you think, Gina. I was wrong about Graham, if anything he's trying to help me-"

"Help you?" Regina interjects, scoffing.

"Look, I can't tell you what we're doing." Ruby shakes her head.

Regina's jaw tightens, "I thought we were friends," she said through clenched teeth.

"We were." Ruby's voice carries the words past tense within them, it aches Regina's heart.

"Ruby…" Regina whispers, "Please. Just talk to me. Tell me what's going on. I could help you."

"No one can help me now." Ruby shakes her head, her eyes seeming lost.

Regina attempted to pull Ruby into a hug, but was surprised when Ruby pulled away so unexpectedly. When before, Ruby would be the first in line for one of Regina's hugs.

"Don't touch me. Please." Ruby begged, her voice slightly trembling now.

Tears glossed over Regina's eyes, "What, is Graham watching? Is that it? He doesn't want you to be my friend any longer, so you listen to him?"

Ruby's eyes darken as she towers over Regina a little, causing her to take a step back. "Don't you dare blame Graham over this."

"Then who should I blame?" Regina snapped.

There's a barely visible smirk along the corner of Ruby's lip. "Wouldn't you like to know," she murmured. Her eyes harden in a glare again, "Then again, I think you already do, don't you, Gina?"

"What the hell are you talking about, Ruby?"

"If you want to blame someone, why don't you point your finger to those filthy, reeking bloodsuckers that you love so much?"

Regina's mouth hangs open as her heart freezes over. She couldn't have heard what Ruby just said. Could she? She got it wrong. She misheard her. Because nobody knew about the Swan's, and Regina never told anyone about them.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Ruby-" Regina shakes her head.

"No, I think you know exactly what I'm talking about." Ruby snarled, hatred darkening her eyes. "Come on, Gina… you aren't going to make me say it, are you? Believe it or not, I really don't like hurting you."

Regina stands, rooted to the ground, "I really don't understand what you mean…" she whispers.

"The Swan's," Ruby's eyes target Regina's, studying the reaction behind them. "Yeah… I can see it, you know. I can see what it does to you when I say their name. When I say Emma's name."

Regina's breath catches in the back of her throat, it's hard to gulp down the dry lump. Her eyes gloss over as she fights the urge of tears. She shakes her head, "The-" she shuts her eyes for a moment, "Swan's, they have nothing to do with any of this, Ruby."

Ruby chuckles in a cynical manner that is beyond her. "They have everything to do with this, Gina."

"Well, what? What exactly did they do that was so wrong?" Regina demanded. "They have been gone for a long time now. They aren't hurting anyone, Ruby." Anger takes over her.

"Oh, I know they're gone. And the one thing they have done wrong, as far as any of us are concerned, is to exist." Ruby snarls, her body trembling with fury.

"Step back, Gina. Don't provoke her, just give her time to calm down." Regina couldn't understand why Emma's sweet voice came to her now. Because Ruby would never hurt her. No matter how angry the mention of the Swan's seemed to make her. She was different, but she was still Ruby. At least Regina hoped so.

In that moment, Ruby shut her eyes tight, as if attempting to control her anger and something else that Regina can't figure out.

"Ruby, what are they doing to you? You can tell me." She urged.

Ruby says nothing.

"Look, I know that you feel something for me. And I wish I could correspond to it, I really do. And I'm sorry that I hurt you that night at the movies. I'm sorry for some of the things I said to you-"

"It has nothing to do with what I feel for you, Gina." Ruby promises.

"Ruby!" A voice that could only belong to Graham is heard in the distance, followed by a clear, echoing whistle.

Ruby's head had whipped around, her eyes focused toward the double doors, like a dog hearing its master's call. "I gotta go… Just go home, Gina. Please. Don't look for me anymore."

"Ruby," Regina breathed, fighting back a sob. "You're my only friend."

"You know that's not true."

"You said you didn't want to hurt me, right? Well, this is you hurting me. Right now."

Ruby took a step forward but quickly retracted back. "I promise never to do it again. I swear it. Just please…" she holds out her hand. "Stay away."

"Ruby!" Regina shouts, watching as Ruby takes off in a sprint. Not as fast and vanishing compared to a vampire's but, she certainly looked like she was ready to take on a marathon on any given day.