AN the next chapter for you to enjoy.

And happy new years to everyone reading.

Chapter 6

BPOV

I ran until my feet carried me towards the familiar path of La push first beach. It didn't take long to cross the boundary line and it took even less time after that to reach the beach. I came to a stop at the water's edge.

I couldn't believe it.

His touch seemed to linger on my skin and continued to consume me.

It couldn't be… it just couldn't be. I didn't believe it.

All these years I had convinced myself that it wasn't possible. I was created and put on this earth to protect the balance, nothing else. I observed life, I didn't actively participate. I was always on the sidelines, watching, planning, making sure life would continue on. A mate didn't fit with that purpose. I couldn't have a mate. Yet what I'd felt… it was undeniable. The attraction the spark, the draw I felt to him. I shook my head to try and clear it. Suddenly it made sense why I hadn't liked lying to the Cullens. I didn't like lying to who my body recognized as my mate.

No.

I couldn't have a mate. It was too dangerous.

I sank down to my knees. The water lapped at my knees and I slammed my fist down in frustration. Water flew up and soaked my face and hair, yet still his touched seemed to burn on my cheek.

No.

No, this wasn't happening. I refused to believe this. It had to be a fluke. It couldn't be true.

A sudden growl next to me brought me back to the present. I glanced to the side and spotted Sam's giant form stalking towards me. I growled back, not in the mood to deal with this fucking little boy.

He snarled back, telling me he clearly didn't give a fuck about my mood. And, it seemed, my allegiance with his people. He stopped a few yards away, clawing at the ground and bearing his teeth at me.

I slowly rose to my feet, wiping my wet hair from my face. He snarled immediately. He really hated all vampires indiscriminately it seemed. I sighed. Well, at least this gave me something else to focus on.

'it is unwise to continue in this vein Sam.' I warned him as I stared him down. 'Though I respect Billy and your tribe. I protect the balance. And a vindictive shapeshifter with the power to kill everything he wishes does not belong in this world.'

He snarled in response, his teeth snapping and drool flying everywhere. He was getting really worked up.

'You feel wronged by vampires. They trigger your change. I understand. I even understand that this life was the last thing you wanted. You hurt people close to you and I am sorry for that. But destiny finds us all, Sam. It called on you to protect your people and your tribe. Don't throw that fight away by continuing in this foolish hatred. I am not your enemy. Neither are the Cullens. Rogue vampires that needlessly kill and torture people, those are the ones deserving of your hatred. They deserve every bad thought you've evert thought about them, every bad name you've called them. But don't you dare lump us all together like that because of blind prejudice and hate.'

He snarled, though he seemed slightly more uncertain than before.

'Don't do it, Sam. Think of Emily. If you attack me now, you'll prove to me that you are not worthy of this life and I'll have no other choice but to end it. Don't make me take you away from her, from the tribe.'

His body quivered as he seemed to be fighting himself.

It wasn't a small feat to overcome prejudice, especially not one as deeply rooted as Sam's had. He struggled and shook his head, then with one last snarl, he turned around and ran back up the beach, heading back to the forest. He didn't look back.

I decided to take that as a small step towards succes. At least he hadn't forced my hand and made me kill him. I really wouldn't have liked that. I also wouldn't have enjoyed explaining that to Billy. Especially not when I'd said I'd give him time to bring Sam around.

I stared after him with chagrin. It was all up to him now. Either he would prove to me he could break his prejudice, and do his job as a protector of the tribe well, or I would have to kill him. It wouldn't be an easy task for him. Still, I hoped he would come round. And in the meantime I hoped he wouldn't poison the minds of the other shifters.

I figured I'd need to check them out before I left as well. I couldn't leave four ticking time bombs of hatred running around unchecked. Though I did hope Billy was taking his role as chief seriously and trying to keep his pups in line.

I turned back to the ocean in front of me, staring out at the waves crashing against the rocks, the seagulls flying around and far in the distance the call of the whales. I breathed in deeply. And then screamed in frustration.

Not even Sam's appearance had taken my mind off of Edward. It seemed that boy's face was currently permanently etched in my mind and it didn't seem like it would leave anytime soon.

What was I to do now? I couldn't have a mate. could I?

I headed back up the beach and found my way along the familiar roads to Billy's. It was still quite early in the morning, but I heard the faint sounds of someone making breakfast coming from inside. I trudged up the stairs and knocked on the door.

'Isabella.' Billy opened the door, shock on his face.

'I moved in with the Cullens.' I didn't waste any time on pleasantries. He stepped back and I trudged into his house, throwing myself down in one of the kitchen chairs.

He frowned. 'Why?'

'I don't know.' I told him honestly, exasperated with myself. 'but at least it will give me time to asses them.'

Billy nodded. 'Are they aware of the situation?'

I shook my head. 'They don't know who I really am and they don't know we know each other.'

'Do you want to keep it that way?'

I nodded, though my heart was screaming in protest. 'For now'

He nodded. 'Alright.'

I regarded him for a moment. 'I need to see your other pups.' I told him seriously.

Billy froze. 'what?'

'Sam almost attacked me this morning when I was at First beach.'

'What were you doing there?' he asked, slightly suspicious.

I crossed my arms and stared at him.

'Ah right… that's none of my concern.' He bowed his head.

I waved his apology away. 'I talked him down, but I'm concerned. He's the acting alpha right now and I worry he's poisoning the others.'

Billy looked chagrined at that. 'I don't think he would. I've been clear to him.'

'have you?' I pressed. 'because he didn't care about anything I said, he only stopped when I brought up Emily.'

'Wait.' Billy gaped at me. 'How do you know about Emily?'

I shrugged. 'I know a lot.'

I wasn't going to share with him the fact that my shield gave me insight into the pack. It was something I had learned a long time ago. Imprints were protected as well. The moment Sam had imprinted on Emily. She immediately came under my shield and protection as well. I wasn't sure why exactly, but I assumed it was because their souls were connected. And I guessed that meant my protection automatically transferred.

Billy stared at me for a moment, before finally nodding. He didn't try to press further. He knew my answer wouldn't change. 'I'll give you their names and addresses, you can visit them whenever. Though I would ask you to please observe them from a distance first. And if you do find something concerning, please discuss it with me before you act.'

Billy's gaze was pleading as he asked the favour of me. For a moment I debated, but then I nodded. It was a fair enough request. Billy nodded gratefully and he set down a cup of coffee in front of me, and we settled back into regular conversation.

By the time it was 10 o'clock Jacob emerged from his bedroom, just as I was getting ready to leave again. He froze in his tracks when he spotted me.

'Oh hi.' He offered finally after staring for a full minute. I cocked a brow at him but greeted him back.

'You should start teaching him.' I told Billy seriously as I got up. Jacob wasn't shifting yet, but it wouldn't be long now. And I definitely didn't want another Sam to happen. Not if we could stop it in time. Billy grunted noncommittally and I quickly took my leave.

I walked around the village, heading to the three addresses of the other young wolves Billy had given me. If I was here anyway I might as well make myself useful.

It didn't take long to find the first wolf, he was stumbling out of the woods, looking dead on his feet in a pair of cut off shorts and nothing else.

I frowned. That seemed unhealthy. Not the cut off shorts, I knew shifters ran hot, but the dead on his feet part.

Was Sam making them run patrols all night long? The boy, I figured he couldn't be more than eighteen at most, should still be in school, not running out on patrols when there wasn't an active threat.

He stepped into the house and immediately a woman's voice started yelling at him. I frowned and crept slightly closer so I could hear better.

'Where have you been the entire night?'
'Mom.' Even his voice sounded tired.

'Don't you mom me, mister.'

'Can we do this after I sleep?' he sounded absolutely exhausted. This wasn't right.

it was quiet for a beat. 'What did you do? you look dead on your feet.' The woman's voice was concerned now.

'Nothing. I just want to sleep.'

'Are you sick?' there was some rustling. 'you're burning up.'

'I'm fine.'

'you're not fine.'

'Just please, mom. Can we do this later?' Then a door closed.

This was not good.

I quickly checked the next address and headed over. The situation there seemed to be worse.

'Where do you think you're going?' someone yelled from inside.

'I need to go.'

'says who?'

'I just need to go!'

'No you're not! You're going to school! I've received a call from the principal. You've been skipping most days lately. This is not okay. get in the car. I'm dropping you off.'

'Dad!'

'Don't you raise your voice at me!'

A teenager with cut off shorts and a black shirt was dragged out of the house by a man, who I presumed was his father and shoved into a car. The dad continued yelling at him; how important school was and that he was unhappy about his change in behaviour recently, staying out late, skipping school, talking back, etc.

I was getting truly concerned now.

Was Sam forcing his pups to skip school? Was he working these kids this hard? And why were the parents not aware of what was going on? Why were they kept in the dark? That just made no sense at all. Was that Billy's doing?

I headed to the final house, praying that the situation would be better there.

When I got there, it was and it wasn't.

The house was more like a shack, and seemed to be falling apart. There was no yelling going on which was good, but as I crept closer I noted it was because it was empty. I cast a quick glance inside and saw dirty dishes piled high and dirty clothes strewn about. There were holes in the walls and pieces of broken furniture scattered about.

Was this really how they wanted their shifters to live? Were they not being taught to control themselves? Never had I expected to see this. It made my heart hurt to see these young boys treated like this. And I knew I couldn't accept this any longer.

I turned on my heel and ran towards Sam's house. It took mere seconds as I used my full speed for once and I burst through the door, earning a startled scream from who I presumed was Emily who was sat on the couch.

A moment later Sam burst through the door, dressed in just his underwear looking like he'd just woken up.

Before he had a chance to speak I'd grabbed him by the neck and pushed him up against a wall. My nails bit into his skin and I bared my teeth at him.

'Don't you move, Sam Uley.' I barked at him, my voice lowering dangerously, as he made a move to strike me.

'Sam!' Emily sobbed. She made to run over, but I threw my hand out and cast a physical shield over her, trapping her in place.

'No!' Sam roared, thrashing against my hold.

I pressed him into the wall harder, hearing the wood crack behind him. He gasped and groaned as my nails pierced his skin.

'Now you listen to me, Sam Uley and you listen good.' I growled. 'You will release your pups and stop their patrols that go deep into the night and during the day. you will make sure they go to school and do their homework. You will make sure they eat and sleep enough. You will take responsibility as their alpha and take care of them.'

His eyes focussed on me, hatred filling them. 'Get your hands off me, leech.' He growled.

I hissed. 'I think you keep forgetting who I am. Do I really need to show you?'

'I know who you are… you're a filthy bloodsucker.' He snarled.

I didn't hesitate. While my one hand was still wrapped around his neck and holding him securely, my other shot out and with one punch, I broke his arm.

He screamed. Emily did too.

'Go ahead. Say it again. And I will show you exactly what I am capable of. Not as a filthy bloodsucker as you like to call me, but as the first vampire. The one that is put on this earth to protect the balance, and right now you are seriously endandering it.'

'I am not! I am protecting my people!' he screamed.

'you are destroying them! I saw your pups. Run ragged, dead on their feet. Not receiving education, not learning to control their gifts, living in filth and poverty. How is that protecting them?' I snarled at him. 'Either you don't know how they are living, which makes you a lousy leader. Or you do know and you keep doing what you're doing anyway. Which makes you not only a bad Alpha but also a selfish asshole.'

He groaned as I tightened my grip again.

'Tell me, which one is it. should I kill you right here and now for failing yet again? or is there hope for you still, as Billy seems to think?'

'Sam, please!' Emily sobbed.

'Isabella!' someone else yelled.

I snarled at the intruder, turning to the source of the interruption with bared teeth.

Billy took a startled step back. He held up his hands. 'please let him go.'

'You promised me.' I snarled at him. 'you promised me you had him in hand. I saw them, Billy. I saw those boys in a state they shouldn't be in. I saw their parents at their wits' end because they don't know what's going on. Explain it to me, Billy. Explain to me why I shouldn't hold this so called alpha responsible and end his life right here right now.'

'I beg you, please don't.'

'Give me one good reason.'

'It was my failure.' Billy said. I frowned at him, slightly loosening my hold on Sam, who sucked in a raspy breath. 'It's my fault. I didn't tell the boy's parents what is going on. that was my choice. I know Paul is living in a bad way, but don't have the means to help him. I let Sam's hate get out of control.'

'why?' I demanded. 'is this the future you want for your own son?'

Billy shook his head. 'because I understood him. I understood his hate. And part of me agreed with him.'

I snarled at Billy. 'You agree?' He hung his head in shame. 'Did you encourage him?'

'No. I didn't. I just didn't stop him as I should have. It was my failure as chief of this tribe. I beg your forgiveness.'

'begging for forgiveness doesn't change the reality we are now in.'

'I know.'

'how do you plan to fix this then?'

'Sam will no longer be Alpha.' Billy stated. Sam let out a snarl, but I tightened my grip on him again. 'I will personally inform the other parents what is going on. as for Paul… I'll see if there's something we can do to fix up his house.. but I'm not sure.'

I huffed in frustration then I dropped my hold from Sam, who slumped down onto the floor like sack of potatoes, gasping for breath.

'the patrols will stop. The boys will return to school, unless there is a pressing issue that needs their talents. In their free time they will be allowed to practice their skills, but that is it. No more nightwork, no more work during school hours. Their parents must be informed and kept up to date. And Sam will never become Alpha again. That is what you must promise me, Billy, for me to leave here without shedding any blood.'

Billy trembled before me, but quickly nodded. 'I agree with those terms.'

'Make sure you enact it immediately. I will return in a few days and if the terms are not honoured.' I turned to face Sam. 'your life will be forfeit.'

He swallowed thickly.

I crouched down in front of him, grabbing hold of his neck again. 'Ask your elders about the stories, Sam. Hear the tales of your forefathers and really listen to them. Learn from them. And change your ways. And don't you dare use this to grow your hatred even more. I'm not violent for no reason. I didn't break your arm for no reason. Remember that.'

With that I released him and pulled my shield back from Emily. I stared at Billy for a moment and then ran out the door. I hoped Billy would come through this time. Because I was done humouring him because of my friendship with his grandfather. Ephraim would have been disappointed. I know I was.