"I hate being a party crasher," Bella said as we walked through his backyard where the bonfire was in full swing.

Jake smirked, "Technically you're a council meeting crasher," I smiled at the tribe all huddled around, it reminded me of back before the Volturi ruined my life, "See the council leaders, Dad, Quil's grandpa, and Sue Clearwater. She took over for Harry when he died."

Bella stopped walking, "I should not be here."

I shrugged, "Bella it's glorified storytime, trust me. You're good," I smiled when I saw Paul look up and wave at me, a plate of food was practically toppling over on his lap.

"Storytime?" She looked at me confused, "The tribe legends? Aren't they sacred?"

Jake and I nodded, "Yeah. I mean it's Seth, Leah, and Quil's first time too. And Cate is originally from like a 'brother' tribe but she's one of us so she's automatically welcome."

I shoved my hands into my pockets, "But you're a paleface, so you're special."

"If I'd known that I would've...I don't know, dressed better?"

"Cate! Jake!" Seth's voice rang through the night sky as he ran up to us. He bounced over and I immediately grabbed him and brought the young wolf into a hug.

I giggled as I messed with his hair, "My favorite pup!" I gushed.

"Stop it!" He groaned like a child trying to fix his hair before addressing us again, "Well it's about time you got here. Paul's been hoovering the grub, but I saved you some burgers."

"Good looking out," Jake praised.

I laughed, "I'm gonna go steal some of my man's food!" I skipped over to Paul who beamed when I sat myself next to him on a log. I grabbed a burger and whistled for the others to join us so we could get this show on the road.

The silence was piercing just before Billy started. He told two legends before closing the night witch the most memorable story, "The Quileutes have been a small tribe from the beginning, but much like our brother tribe," he glanced at me, "Magic has always been in our blood," having abandoned his food, Paul wrapped his arms around me and brought me onto his lap his eyes never leaving Billy, "We were great spirit warriors, shape-shifters that transformed to the powerful wolf. This enabled us to scare off our enemies and protect our tribe. Our purpose is to protect our people, which is why some of our kind; our brothers, are born with extra strength. Even death by our enemies would not vanquish them.

"One day, our warriors came across a creature. It looked like a man, but it was hard as stone, and cold as ice. Our warriors' sharp teeth finally tore it apart, but only fire would completely destroy it. They lived in fear that the cold man was not alone. And they were right. She took her vengeance out on the village. Our elder chief, Taha Aki, was the only spirit warrior left to save the tribe after his son was killed. Taha Aki's third wife could see that he would lose. The third wife was no magical; being, no special power except one. Courage. The third wife's sacrifice distracted the cold woman long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. She saved the tribe.

"Over time, our enemies have disappeared. But one remains, the cold ones. Our magic awakens when they're near, we feel the threat in our blood. Something terrible is coming, and we must be ready. All of us." I saw Billy look directly at Bella as he finished the story.

As the adults started cleaning up I left Bella with Jacob so Paul and I could go on a short walk.

"Any updates on the bloodsucker you came across?" He asked whilst rubbing his thumb along the back of my hand.

I shook my head, "It's like whoever it was just vanished. I'm just so nervous that it's the Volturi I-"

"I know. Listen, I'm not going to let anyone hurt you," he stifled a chuckle, "Even if that means having to fight alongside your family to protect you."

I giggled, "I can't imagine you and Emmett fighting on the same side."

"Me either but it's the thought that counts isn't it?"

"It is," I nodded, we stopped walking when we were about thirty feet away from the barn.

Paul put his hand softly on my cheek, smiling down at me, "Have I mentioned how much I'm grateful to have imprinted on you?"

"Maybe, but I'd love to hear you say it again."

"Cate, I-"

"Lovebirds!" Jake yelled standing with Bella by his truck, "Hate to be a buzzkill but I have to return her now!" He called.

We both groaned, putting our foreheads together. Paul leaned in and pecked my lips before we walked over to the truck to go back home.

~

The news was also a shit-show in that of itself. The situation in Seattle was getting worse and the humans were speculating between gang activity or a "wildly active serial killer"

"We're going to have to do something," Carlisle sighed as he muted the TV.

"It takes more than one of our kind to cause the damage they're reporting," Jasper noted, "Quite a few more. And they're undisciplined, conspicuous."

Edward nodded, "Newborns."

Bella looked at us confused, "Like, new vampires?"

"The first few months after the change," he educated.

"That's when we're at our most uncontrollable. Vicious. Insane with thirst," Jasper muttered.

Emmett smirked over at Bella, "Something to look forward to."

"No one's trained these newborns, but this isn't random."

I realized what he was insinuating, "An army?"

Emmett jumped over to me excited, "Now we're definitely going to Seattle!"

"An army of vampires?" Bella confirmed.

Jasper nodded, "And they've been created to fight someone."

"We're the only clan even close to Seattle," Edward looked over at Carlisle.

"Regardless of why they were made, if we don't put a stop to them the Volturi will. I'm surprised they've let it go on this long."

I rolled my eyes, "Probably just waiting for the most inconvenient moment for us to pop in."

"Maybe they're behind it?" Edward guessed peaking our interest, "In Italy, I read Aro's mind. He wants me and Alice to join him, he also..." Edward sadly looked over at me, "Didn't hate the idea of a 'guard dog' as he put it, even though Cias would be against it," I clenched my fists together angrily, "But he knows we'll never join as long as our family is alive."

"An army could solve that for him," Jasper responded whilst my mind was swimming.

"So Caius wants me dead, but Aro wants me as his pet. Talk about two evils."

~

Paul was more than happy to distract me from the craziness. While Bella was on the pier with Jacob, the two of us sat in the bed of the truck enjoying some much needed alone time. It was probably one of our more heated make-out sessions. He had his hands on either side of my hips while I straddled him, my hands tangling themselves in his hair. It was definitely what I needed to destress.

"Hey," I muttered in between kisses, "So my sister's having a graduation party...Would you come?"

There was a pause, and we just looked at each other as I waited for his answer. He sighed, "Cate-"

I didn't like that, "Please? For me?" I pouted giving him the best puppy eyes I could muster while simultaneously running my fingers along the nape of his neck slowly.

He groaned and I saw his eyes roll to the back of his head I smirked, "Fine."

"I love you," I giggled before freezing, "Oh shit."

His eyes snapped to mine, "Oh shit," he whispered.

"I'm sorry I-" I shook my head thinking I fucked up and that I said that too soon.

He put his hand on the back of my neck and turned my head to face him, bringing my lips back to his, "I just can't believe you said it before I did," he confessed, smiling into the kiss.

In that moment, everything was perfect. There was no army, no Volturi; just me and him. In that dingy truck bed. Until Bella and Jake came running, both yelling over each other.

"What the hell happened?" I yelled getting off of Paul.

Bella was clutching her hand, "I punched him."

"Why?" I looked between the two of them confused.

Jake's cheek was slightly red but he was otherwise okay, "I kissed her."

That's when I started laughing, "Oh you're in trouble!" I teased while he got in the car and we started driving back to Bella's. I got a little nervous as we got back into Forks knowing Edward would be showing up to take us back home and he'd go nuts once he heard our thoughts.

Sure enough, the second the car was parked the Volvo sped up the road and Edward zoomed out grabbing Jacob by the collar. I quickly went to grab my brother trying to keep them apart but Paul held me back.

"This is between them," he whispered even though I could feel his anger radiating off of him.

Edward was pissed, "If you ever touch her against her will again!" He yelled.

"She's not sure what she wants!" Jake responded pushing Edward off of him.

Bella was pleading for the both of them to stop, "Please don't do this here!"

"Let me give you a clue! Wait for her to say the words!" He threatened.

I could hear Charlie rushing out of the house trying to keep the situation under control, "Let's take it down a notch all right?" He looked between the two boys wearily, "What's going on?"

Jake's face was hard, "I kissed Bella," Charlie practically broke his neck to look at him, bet he wasn't expecting that, "And she broke her hand...punching my face... Total misunderstanding."

I took a tentative step forward, "We'll take her to my dad. He can take a look at her hand and help."

"Thank you Cate," Charlie sighed putting his hand on my shoulder kindly.

Edward herded Bella into the Volvo while Paul gave me a sad look, "I'll see you soon?" I asked.

He nodded kissing my temple, "I love you," he whispered before following Jacob into his truck and peeling out of there.

~

Carlisle was quick to bandage up Bella's hand, "It's just a sprain. It should heal fairly quickly."

"Trying to walk and chew gum at the same time again Bella?" Emmett teased as he walked in with Jasper standing on either side of me.

I smirked shaking my head, "No, tough guy here thought it would be smart to punch a werewolf in the face. Bet you learned your lesson though, huh?" I lightly nudged her with my shoulder.

Emmett nodded approvingly, "Badass. You're gonna be one tough little newborn."

"Tough enough to take you on," she smiled.

I laughed, "He's not the one you have to beat," I flexed my little muscles before shoving him playfully.

Rosalie, who was still against Bella becoming a vampire, finally had enough. She flung the newspaper away from her and stalked off. Bella gave Emmett a guilty look but he waved it off, "Don't worry about it."

Edward nodded over to Jasper, "Got any leads?"

"No sign of the intruder but Victoria continues to make appearances."

Bella didn't want to listen to the status report, opting to follow Rosalie to the balcony so the rest of us could be caught up on the situation. The newborn army seemed to be growing, but their numbers kept fluctuating. Seemed like they were killing each other and whoever was creating them compensated by making more. They were bringing too much attention to themselves, and the longer this went on the more likely the Volturi would come to intervene. This would put me in danger, and the people I love.