A/N: First, let me apologize for it taking so long to publish this chapter. My last two college classes were very homework heavy with papers to write. I hope you enjoy this one! Also, there was a formatting error with the last chapter. The last scene should have been italicized but it was lost in the copy/paste, and then the re-format didn't save.

Thank you to my beta GoOasis726. And as always, I disclaim... I don't own Twilight.

Bella sat up, gripping her throat as she could still feel the rawness from screaming. The bedside dipped low under someone's weight. She reached frantically for the arm that rubbed her back.

"Bells? You scared me half to death. I thought someone was murdering you in here."

"So did I," she whispered in reply. Her heart was beating so fast in her chest that she thought it might explode as she gasped for breath.

Charlie's eyebrows raised, and he met her eyes. "You gonna be okay? You haven't had night terrors in years, kiddo."

"Yeah, I just… the stories from the bonfire seemed so realistic. I keep dreaming about cold ones and wolves."

Charlie chuckled lightly and said, "I'm sorry, Bells, I shouldn't laugh, but you know those are just Quileute legends, right?"

"Yeah, Dad, thanks." After an awkward side hug, she continued, "Thanks for checking on me. I'm sorry that I scared you. It just felt so real."

"What are dads for? I'm glad you're alright now." Charlie tucked the blanket around her before kissing her forehead and returning to his bedroom.

While she appreciated his genuine care, she flipped the covers back and went to sit by the windowsill. The cool night air caressed her overheated skin, and Bella wished Sam were there already. She knew it was unreasonable for him to spend every waking hour with her, but the heart wants what it wants.

Thinking back to the dream, Bella thought it felt just as real as the one before, with the same creepy blonde vampire that called her poppet. Feeling like something in it might be significant, she hurried to her desk and began writing it down. Bella would never explain it adequately, but something inside her told her she needed to write down as many details as she could remember, just like before.

When finished, she moved back to her bed. The cool night breeze left her feeling chilled in her thin shorts and tank top.. She leaned against the headboard and focused on taking slow, deep breaths as she tried to relax.

Bella became drowsy, lulling on the edge of sleep as her heartbeat and breathing slowed and evened. A change in the air in her room had her barely opening her eyes. Bella prayed it was Sam. Instead, she was shocked by the bronze-haired, pale-white figure resting in her rocking chair.

She refused to panic, keeping her breath slow and even. Instead, Bella tried to appear as though she remained sleeping as she carefully shifted her position to watch the figure in the corner. He sat so still he looked like a statue. She didn't even think he was breathing.

Is this the vampire? Is it going to kill and drain me? What in the world does it want? Why me, and why the hell is it watching me sleep like a complete psychopath?

She tried so hard to maintain her composure, but inevitably, Bella's heart raced, and her breath hitched in her throat. The demon in the corner tensed in response.

Feeling herself spiraling, Bella focused on Sam, her soul calling out to his. She trembled, knowing the monster would run sooner than later. Speaking softly into the night, she questioned, "Who are you? Why are you here?" As it focused on her face, she seriously questioned her own sense of self-preservation.

Before it could answer, there was a low growl from just below her window. Sam ordered in a low tone, "Answer her, leech."

Bella sat upright, wishing she could see Sam from her bed, that he was beside her instead of outside. She imagined he remained there for her safety, not knowing how he would react to the intruder in her room.

Melodic yet quiet, even tones filled the room as the figure said, "I have no answer to give. I apologize." Before she could ask another question, the man, or vampire, had fled through the window. Bella raced to the sill, barely glimpsing Sam in pursuit.

She knelt on the floor, her arms crossed on the wooden trim of the window, and begged for Sam to be kept safe. Her heart would break into a million pieces if he got hurt.

A cold chill suddenly went through her as her vision glazed over.

Four paws beat the earth as the body pushed itself faster. The cold one was just ahead, copper hair bouncing with every step. Teeth and jaws snapped at his heels.

Suddenly, another marble body rocked into the wolf and sent it flying into a nearby tree. Deep rumbles filled the wolf's chest as it stood and gnashed its teeth at the newcomer. The vampire's dark hair fluttered in the breeze while his broad shoulders heaved in fury.

The wolf stood his ground, front paws dug deep into the earth as he crouched, ready to spring at a split second's notice.

"You're in our territory, Wolf," the dark-haired vampire said.

The one with bronze hair gripped his shoulder, saying, "Let it go, Emmett. C'mon. Let's just go home."

"No, Edward. That thing was trying to kill you!"

Rage flooded the wolf as a spark of change filled the air.

Gasping as the vision dissipated, Bella clutched her hands to her chest. "What the hell was that?" She gripped her ribs, only just noticing the ache there that was quickly fading. She had to wonder if Sam was okay. Had he been thrown into a tree? Was he hurt? Even worse, was he facing them as a man? He wouldn't be able to defend himself as well.

Pacing back and forth in front of her window, Bella hoped and prayed to every entity she could recall that Sam would return whole and uninjured.

After what felt like an eternity had passed, Bella moved to sit on the bed, curling her legs under her. Her heart still hammered in her chest, anxiety riding high like a tsunami ready to destroy her. Bella lay down and cuddled her pillow close to her chest, letting her tears spill over as she worried for Sam. There were so many things that could go wrong. So many things that still didn't know.

The dipping of the bed let her know Sam was back a split second before his woodsy scent hit her nostrils. Sitting up, Bella flung herself into his arms, her hands feeling his body in search of injuries. As she trailed her fingers over his ribs, Bella paused when he hissed.

"You're hurt." It was a statement, not a question.

His mouth creased in a grimace, "It's not too bad. Don't worry about me."

Fearing she sounded crazy, Bella hesitated before asking, "Sam, d-did… Did a black-haired vampire do this? Did he throw you into a tree?" She was unsure how it was possible, but things were progressively becoming stranger..

Wide-eyed, he said, "Yes, but how did you know that?"

She ignored his question and asked, "Were their names Emmett and Edward?"

Sam's eyebrows shot high to his hairline. "Yeah. That's what they said. But I still don't know how you know that?"

Hoping to seem unbothered, Bella simply shrugged and said, "I saw it."

Appearing more confused than ever, Sam said,"You saw it? How? That doesn't make any sense."

"None of this makes sense, Sam. None of this should be possible."

She was getting upset that he would question her. And she was more than a little afraid of what this new development might mean for them. He turned into a giant wolf and she was his imprint. Was it unfathomable that she had connected with him on some other level?

Bella said, "There's no such thing as vampires and werewolves, and I shouldn't be able to see through your wolf's eyes. Yet, that's what it seemed like."

Sam rubbed his hand down her arm, lacing their hands together. He gave a little tug and pulled her into his embrace. "I'm sorry if it seemed like I didn't believe you." He kissed her cheek before continuing, "It's just that… like you said,none of this should be possible. We need to work through the journals faster. There has to be something in those."

Sighing, Bella rested her head against his neck, "You're right. I'm sorry I got mad at you. It just seemed like you didn't believe me, and I already felt a little crazy."

Sam asked, "Can you tell me what else you saw while seeing things through my wolf?"

After explaining, she asked, "Did you phase to human while the vampires were there?"

"Yes. The one called Edward was trying to get the other one to leave before I could explain that he was in your room uninvited." His hand rubbed circles on the back of hers. "They needed to know about their comrade's odd habit. That you're important and protected. I have to keep you safe, Bella."

Lifting her face, she kissed him deeply. When they separated for breath, she said, "I know. I want to do the same for you, but I don't know how."

"You're doing a great job just being here for me. That's what I need the most right now. Someone that I can talk to that's on my side."

Smiling up at him, Bella said, "I'm always on your side."

After a few minutes of silence, Bella whispered, "Hey, Sam?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you tell me what the other vampire said when you told him the carrot-top was in my room? Watching me sleep?"

"He told the other one, 'Seriously, Ed? That's weird even for you.' Then he apologized and said they'd figure out how to keep him away."

Bella placed light kisses across Sam's chest, nuzzling closer to him, trying to reassure herself that he was truly present and unharmed. She let him pull her closer to him while his hands rubbed soothing circles on her back and shoulders. When Bella leaned up and nibbled on his earlobe, Sam rolled so she lay underneath him. He hovered over her, careful not to crush her into the mattress. ..

She threaded her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer. Bella's open-mouthed kisses met with Sam's fervorous lips. She moved her hands over his body, enjoying the feel of his firm muscles bunching and trembling at her every touch. Her own skin was covered in goosebumps as Sam caressed her. He pulled the straps of her tank top down, baring her breasts. Bella arched into his touch, urging him to continue. His lips trailed down her neck. When his tongue darted out to taste her nipple, she froze, her heart hammering in her chest.

What am I doing? This isn't like me at all.

Sam immediately peeled himself away from her. "I'm sorry, Bella. I keep pushing. I don't mean to."

Bella sat up and pulled her straps up. "Sam, it's not that I don't want to be with you. I just… I've never done any of this before." She could feel her skin heating with a blush. Grateful for the dark, Bella continued, "I don't want to go too fast. We don't really know much about each other. While I don't think I'd regret taking that step with you, I want to be sure. Ya know?"

Resting his head on her shoulder, she could feel his deep exhales as they washed over her. "I get it. I'm still sorry. I don't know what comes over me, but I'll do my best to control it."

Bella kissed the side of his head, then said, "I'll let you know when I'm ready for more. But for now, can we just stick to kissing?"

Sitting up, Sam looked in her eyes and raised one hand to cup her cheek. "Absolutely. I never want to make you uncomfortable."

"Can you hold me while I sleep? Or do you need to run some more?"

"I would love nothing more than to stay here with you." Sam's reply made Bella smile, and she pulled him down to spoon with her, his arm resting over her side.

When the morning dawned, Bella woke to the smell of cooking bacon. She knew she needed to work on getting into a routine. There were only a few days before she had to start her senior year of high school. Bella wanted to make memories with Charlie and Sam both. Juggling everything might be difficult, but she was confident she could manage.

She still couldn't fathom why a vampire was in her room. She was more than a little afraid, but Bella knew she could count on Sam to keep her safe from them. It would be much easier if there were more wolves to help him. Simultaneously, Bella could already see the upheaval this change had caused in Sam's life. Could she truly wish that on anyone else?

When dressed, she went to the kitchen to help with breakfast.

Sam stood at the stovetop. Bella watched him flip bacon over and stir a pan of eggs. He called over his shoulder, "I hope you don't mind. I started breakfast."

"I don't mind a bit. You can cook for me anytime."

"Hey, Bella?"

Bella walked to where she would be right behind him and snaked her arms around his waist, leaning her head on his back. "Yeah?"

"We should probably talk to the council to let them know that you've had the nighttime visitor and see if we can do anything about it? You'd be safer on the reservation…"

Bella could feel his body tense up where she touched him, knowing he was worried about her. "I understand. What time do you want to go?"

"After breakfast? Then I can trade journals with Billy."

"Okay. I'm fine with that."

"This might bring you under the microscope with me, but they might have more information about why you could see through my wolf's eyes last night. Do you want to talk to them about that too?"

Bella was grateful that Sam asked her rather than just doing it without thought. She mulled it over. She disliked being scrutinized by others, yet on the other hand, it would help to understand what was happening.

"I think we need to talk to at least Billy and Harry. Maybe Old Quil. They seemed to be on your side the most out of the elders. I don't know," shae said with a shrug. "Maybe we just play it by ear?"

They were silent as they dished up the food and ate it. After they finished eating and cleaned up the mess, Bella grabbed the backpack with the journal. She carefully stashed the laptop and charging cable inside. They locked the windows and doors throughout the house before climbing into the truck and hurrying toward La Push.

_Sam reached over and laced his fingers with hers, pulling her closer to him on the couch in Billy's living room. Harry Clearwater and Old Quil perched on kitchen chairs across from them on either side of Billy.

After explaining their situation to the councilmen and chief, Billy asked, "You mean there was a cold one in Bella's bedroom? Uninvited?"

"Yes, Chief. She questioned who it was and what it was doing, but it only replied that it had no answers to give before running. I tried to chase it down, but another rammed into me. I'm sure it broke a few ribs, but I'm fine now."

"It definitely broke your ribs, Sam," Bella interjected. "I felt that." She rubbed a hand over her own ribcage.

Old Quil had a smirk on his wrinkled face as though he knew something the couple did not.

Harry nudged the elder with an elbow slightly before asking Sam, "Which journal did you read first?"

"Nayati's. We didn't know where to start, so I just picked one up."

Old Quil picked two up from the stack on Billy's coffee table. As he handed them to Sam, he said, "Maybe you should read these two next. They may help give insight to the imprint."

Bella could have kissed Old Quil's cheeks for him pointing them in the correct direction. Both had many questions about imprinting.

Sam's deep voice stopped her train of thought, "Is there some way that we can keep Bella safe from the cold ones? If one is already sneaking in her room at night… is there an option to keep her on the rez more often?"

Billy stroked his chin as he considered the request. "Would Charlie let you attend school here? You could partake in tutoring services, either as the tutor or the student. That would extend your time in La Push and maybe give Sam a break from worrying about you."

"How can I attend school here? Don't I have to be part of the tribe?" Bella didn't understand. How could they just enroll her in La Push when she wasn't Quileute? She was sure there were rules about that.

Quietly, Old Quil replied, "The school will abide by our decision if the council approves. Also, as an imprint, once you have sealed your bond, we would consider you a member of the tribe."

Bella couldn't resist asking as curiosity got the better of her. "Sealed the bond? What does that mean?"

Billy and Harry both blushed, the tips of their ears turning pink. Bella couldn't help but wonder why her question had embarrassed them so.

Old Quil replied, "When you read the two journals I handed you today, you will understand what that means."

Curiosity piqued, Bella took one from Sam's hand and flipped through the pages. Although she'd expected no less, seeing the pages covered in Quileute made her sigh in frustration..

Hearing Bella's sigh reminded Sam that he needed to ask another question, "Do you care if we translate the journals for the new pack members and any other imprints that may come along?"

The three elders furrowed their brows, looking deep in thought. Billy replied, "You may translate them, but do not give them out without final approval. I will think about this."

"Okay. We can do that, Chief," Sam told him.

Bella gripped Sam's hand a little tighter as she asked, "Can we go back to me switching schools? How will we get Charlie to agree to that?"

"I'm fishing with Charlie tomorrow. I'll bring it up to him then. Let me see what I can do," Harry told her.

"Don't forget to pick me up, too, Harry. I haven't been fishing in a while." Billy looked back to Sam and asked, "Are you alright with running patrols around La Push and Bella's house? Can you keep that up without exhausting yourself?"

"I'll do whatever I can to keep Bella safe."

Sam cast a quick questioning glance at Bella, just long enough to see her shake her head no. He nodded ever-so-slightly at her and wished the elders a good day before the pair escaped to read more journals.

Bella wanted to see if her foray into the wolf's mind was a one-time thing. If it was, there was no reason to worry about anything or say anything to anyone else, but if not, then they would need to ask questions.

Bella gave Sam her keys and let him drive them to his house.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this update! Hopefully I can go back to bi-weekly updates. I have every intention of finishing this story. See you soon!