We stayed the night at JoAnns house to Nancy's displeasure as I listened to her go on about how unsafe it was for us. She spoke in her usual commanding voice, yet I wasn't deceived. Unlike the times before there was an under layer of doubt in her tone that caused me to worry even more than I'd of normally would have. She has not only become my foundation but also the support that keeps me from falling apart.

"If she thinks Jake has picked up and ran then she's a damn fool! I'm sure her parents have told her as much so why the hell she's worried about your sister, I have no idea. If it was just to piss me off, well she succeeded. I just don't get how I missed them when I dropped you off.

"We had JoAnn to deal with, remember?" I said patting the bed..

"I should've picked up on the scent."

She let out a long sigh as she sat on the edge of the bed. I really hadn't thought this through very well as I struggled to keep the dirty thoughts from invading my mind.

This was unfamiliar territory for me. With guys, I usually had no trouble hopping into bed with them without a second thought. Nancy was different and it wasn't just because of my lack of knowledge of what lesbians did in bed. what did they even do? Not now, Crystal. Stay focus! Right. Where was? Oh yeah! There was something with Nancy that wasn't with the guys and i wasn't sure really what it was but I did know i wanted our first time to be more than just a fast fuck.

Nancy sat with her back turned to me in nothing but some light blue shorts and a plain white shirt that looked three sizes too large for her and about four more than my sister. Yet it revealed the silhouette of her body underneath it and for that i loved it on her. JoAnn shouldn't expect it back. Her long brown hair was tied back in her usual working ponytail as she gripped the side of the mattress. I just knew her claws was ready to come out and I wondered what it would feel like on my back. I licked my lips in desire remembering her promise to bite me.

"I'm going to look around outside one more time to be sure."

She went to stand up but my arms wrapped around her stomach holding her in place. I could tell the action surprised her as it did myself. She had no idea of what images were just running through my mind. If I was only a bit more comfortable with my body she would be in some serious trouble right now.

"You already did that. It's only about ten minutes to Ashley's from here. Seriously, babe, if she was going to do anything tonight she'd done it hours ago. My guess is she got drunk again and passed out so stop worrying about it."

"I'm not-"

"Really? I was just fantasizing about things with you that would make the adult porn industry blush with shame and you didn't even have a clue! You're supposed to know what I'm thinking, hello! You need to relax."

" It doesn't work like that but... like what? I'm kinda curious." She asked turning around her eyes bright with excitement. That worked even better than I anticipated I smiled to myself as a wave of power surged through me. I may of questioned how much she wanted me before but not now. Her eyes burned with lust and want.

"Not in my sisters bedroom. She already doesn't like you. Let's not give her more reasons. Besides, I also wanted to ask you about something if you promise not to freak out. How many people can Jake claim at once? I mean he's still married to you and there's that Sasha, can he do anyone else?

"Yeah, a few more. It depends on how many he lost during Evergreen's Raid as the Council does allow us to replace them. Why?"

Someone claimed JoAnn and I'm not sure who. I figured either Ashley or Jake."

"It was Ashley, I just know it! Jake cant turn humans so he tends to stay away from them when it comes to the pack. Without me, he'd probably have his brother help him. He's probably already forgotten about Sasha. Chances are he had just met her and figured she was expendable. Ashley, I don't know very well aside from a few meetings over the years. I had always dealt with her parents. I bet she sees this as a way to bring friction between us. I'll enjoy showing her how foolish she is."

She leaned back and rolled on top of me seemingly given up on the idea of leaving. The gold in her eyes seemed to dominate the brown as she took my hands and pinned them above my head. I tried to repeat what I had just told her about JoAnns room but my voice failed me. I didn't care. It was stupid anyways.

Her lips crashed with mine igniting an inferno inside of me that I've never experienced. Every nerve in my body seemed to vibrate in desire of her touch.

I let out a moan that I quickly suppressed not sure how soundproof the walls were. The last thing I needed was for her to hear us.

Nancy let go of my hands and grabbed my shirt and lifting me up as she took it off. I closed my eyes both from ecstasy and shyness. This was totally new to me and I wasn't sure what to expect.

Her hot breath around my collarbone gave me goosebumps feeling the tips of her claws just barely breaking the skin of my back and right arm threatened to send me over the edge.

"What was that you were saying?" She whispered in my ear before kissing my neck.

"I-uh-I-ohgod!"

"I thought so." She said in a sultry voice that only had the smallest hint of what was coming. I felt her grip tighten making sure I couldn't escape. I opened my eyes just to immediately shut them again as a burning sharp pain overwhelmed me.

Freed from her grip I pushed myself against the headboard of the bed examining myself. The impression of teeth in my skin confirmed what I already knew she had bitten me.

"It burns!" I said out loud, not really sure if it was to her or myself. The area around the bite was discoloring and it felt like a branding iron. I suspected that was because it basically was.

"It shouldn't last long. Just lay back and relax." She cooed scooting closer and put her arm around me. I wasn't sure how she expected me to do that as it hurt like hell.

Despite my attempt to get away she refused to let me get up and after a short time the pain quickly lessened and exhaustion took its place, coming on like a drugged drink.

The next morning JoAnn mumbled something to herself once she saw me and probably knew Nancy stayed over. She shouldn't of gone to bed early then, huh? At least she kept it almost to herself this time as she fumbled with the coffee filters.

"Good Morning to you too."

I gave her a weak smile as I sat down at the kitchen table that was still cluttered with pictures and boxes. She glanced up through her eyelashes at me her lips pressed tight as she studied me.

"What?" I asked knowing she was judging me for something. What the hell is it this time?

"How did you and Nancy sleep?"

"We-uh-uh slept fine. Why?"

"Because that is the weirdest damn hickey I've ever seen! What the hell did you two do last night after I went to bed?. If you're going to have sex in my house could you at least try and keep it down? My feelings about her aside, the last thing I ever want to hear is you having sex again. It's just wrong on so many levels!"

I shifted uncomfortably in the stool. How she hear that? She should've been out cold as worn out as she was? How the hell did I forget about Nancy biting me? There was some redness outlining her teeth and the skin around it was dark but aside from that it didn't hurt.

"We didn't. She just umm..."

"Mmmhm sure. You forget I can tell when your lying. Anyways, I need to go in to work for a couple hours. I'm thinking we can meet at Duvalla Services around noon if that's okay with you two?" She shot a look to Nancy as she appeared still wearing the shorts and shirt she slept in. Her hair was a mess all over the place making her look hot as hell. Get a grip, Crystal!"

"That's only a couple miles from Ashley's-"

JoAnn raised her hand cutting Nancy off. "Yeah maybe if I'm lucky she'll come in and buy those condos that was built last year and are still empty or maybe free me of my misery. I know I'm dreaming but god knows I need something. ANYTHING! In any case, I've worked there for over five years and didn't even know about werewolves till the other day so I highly doubt she's going to barge in now demanding that I run off with her somewhere. Is your memory so short you both forgotten I've been with her already alone? Guess what, I'm still alive! She didn't even threaten anyone or give Crystal a bruise the size of a tennis ball, that's a hell of a lot more than I can say for you, Nancy."

"JoAnn, that's not fair! They were sneaking around for a reason and Jake is still out there. Nancy was only-"

"I don't wanna hear anything about him, Crystal! Again, I doubt he'll be walking in either, especially as you pointed out it's right next to Ashley's. But If he does happen to come around, I'll be sure to let her know right away."

"JoAnn..." I didn't know what to say. Both me and Nancy have tried to reason with her but she just refuses. I really wish she would drop the attitude but it looked like we were stuck with it for the time being. Maybe going to work will help her.

The tension didn't let up throughout the morning. JoAnn wasn't being a total bitch but was taking jabs at Nancy when she could. In all honesty, she should've known Joann wouldn't take this very well. I was certain Nancy was going to come unglued at any time but so far she's been handling it well.

We dropped JoAnn off at about half past eight in front of the real estate office. She paused just before getting out

"There's a place up Wardner that looks promising. It's not exactly what you wanted, but it might work. I can show it to you at eleven and we can just head out from there."

"Sounds good."

Nancy answered as if not paying attention. Her ears might as well been sticking straight up as she scanned the area for any sign of trouble and it occurred to me that she was probably in more danger than either of us.

Ashley couldn't be happy about what happened. If she ever had any intentions of leaving Nancy out of the conflict she wouldn't now. And here we are practically in her front yard.

"You alright?" I asked after JoAnn left.

"No! How could you think I'm possibly alright with any of this? She has no business going in today with what happened and don't tell me it's just a couple of hours! I know she needs money but I'm sure we can think of something. Her being here is just an invitation."

"If Ashley wanted to hurt me or Joann she had her chance. It's you that I'm worried about. Maybe it would be better if you go back to Lakeside. I thi-"

"Like hell I am!" She said snapping at me. She slammed the car into gear taking off with a jerk that made me glad I was wearing my seatbelt. "Here I thought we were starting to get past... Well the past. Now here you are trying to get rid of me-"

"I'm not trying to get rid of you! I'm just worried about what will happen-"

"You can forget it! I'm not leaving and that's the end of it. If you, your sister, Ashley, or anyone else got a problem with it, I don't give a shit! There's far too much going on and I no matter what foolish ideas you or your sister came up with you can't handle it on your own"

I swear she's the most stubborn person I've ever met. Trying to reason with Nancy was like trying to convince a cat it should take a bath. I have to admit though, she's been more than patient with JoAnn. I guess now was her opportunity to let go of some steam and here I sat.

I let out a bit of relief as we flew past the city limit sign. She had been doing damn near forty completely ignoring every sign that clearly told her it was twenty-five.

"Will you slow down please? Fifty-five doesn't mean eighty."

We were now heading towards my place. While there wasn't much traffic out here you did have logging trucks to watch out for along with others who can't seem to read a speed limit sign.

"You sure you don't know of any place you two can hide till this is taken cared of?

"Why would I know of anywhere?What part of me not getting out much was hard to understand?"

I heard her mumble something under her breath that I paid no attention. I understood she was upset, I was too. That was still no reason for her to be acting like this.

About twenty minutes later we were pulling up in front of my trailer. It was still a record time but at least she did slow down near the houses along the way. I couldn't handle it if we hit a kid playing.

The holes near the door of my trailer seemed to do more than my words did as she immediately dropped the attitude the moment she saw it.

"JoAnn did this?"

I nodded as I got out of the SUV. "I'd never seen him like that. Sure, he could get rough sometimes but I never thought he'd ever do anything to seriously hurt me till then. If she hadn't of been there... I know she's a hardass, but cut her some slack, will ya?"

She gave me a fake smile which I took as her agreeing. Inside I heard Dobby going nuts clawing at the door and barking hearing my voice. I made a note to protect my side opening the door. Having his ninety pounds or so slam into me already caused it to start hurting just thinking about it as I unlocked my door.

I missed Dobby. How can one not miss something that acts like you've been gone years even when it was just a day?

"Did you miss me? Did you?"

He almost knocked me over if Nancy did come to my rescue by holding me up as Dobby jumped all over me and completely ignoring Nancy. Well at least he wasn't barking like crazy as he did with Ashley.

After getting him to calm down a little I began cleaning up. The kitchen especially was a mess as the chairs were all scattered and knocked over still.

"I'll do it. I don't want you bending over. Just go get what you needed and I'll straighten things up in here."

"Nancy, don't you think you're overrating just a bit? I really don't think Jake is going to come back and-"

"Seriously, Crystal, I can't handle you questioning me right now. You don't know anything about how things work-I get that! I really do. You're a target for two packs right now one just tried to hurt you at your sisters. Now go get your shit and stop arguing with me about it!" She said as if a headache was coming on. She didn't know the half of it.

"I give up." I said tossing my hands up in surrender. "Do whatever."

I sat on my bed with my head in my hands wondering what to do while trying not to completely breakdown. Easier said than done. Maybe JoAnn could still stay with Linnea while we slept at the bar. Nancy wouldn't like the idea but it would get her away from Ashley.

I took a deep breath then got up to get things together. Nancy would no doubt be in here telling me to hurry any time now.

"Hey, I want to swing by the bank before we pick up your sister so don't take too long." Nancy said poking her head in. What did I tell you?

"We just got here. Give me a minute, will ya? Geez!"

I heard a soft growl from her as she disappeared. "I wasn't implying this second. So geez yourself"

"Yeah? Well grrrr yourself! I was the one who got bitten, not you! Then I had put up with your grumpy mood all morning along with JoAnns. If anyone has something to growl about it's me!"

I heard her gasp as Dobby ran into the room thinking i was playing. She reappeared at the doorway as he was on the bed licking my face.

"You know growling like you did could be taken as a challenge. You're awfully lucky he answered it instead of me."

I stuck my tongue out at her. "If I can handle his slobber, I can definitely handle yours."

"Really? Hmm, good to know."

"Okay, maybe that came out wrong. I take it back."

"Oh, you can't do that. It's already out there. And we're talking about words here, my dear, not some material object. It's not like you can just pick them up and put them away someplace where nobody will ever see, or in this case, hear them ever again. I've heard them and so did Dobby didn't you boy?"

Dobby let out a loud bark and started in on her.

"He said that he did. So you see, I'm afraid you'll have to live the rest of you life knowing that sentence is floating around forever and ever."

Are you kidding me?! Where the hell did she come up with that? I'd never heard anything so ridiculous before.

I crossed my arms scowling at them both

"Dobby you traitor! For that I will let her put you in the truck since you obviously favor her now."

I got up and started getting a couple days worth of clothes together. I wasn't thrilled about this idea but I did trust Nancy and she figured it was the best thing.

"Holy shit! You're taking 10mg of estradiol A DAY?! That's crazy! Do you know what that can do?"

I looked over to see her examining my hormones that I had on my dresser with a shocked expression. For some, seeing the pills made it real. It was the smoking gun aside from seeing me naked. My stomach turned as I got more and more nervous.

"Yes. I'm well aware of the side effects. Between the doctors, pharmacists, shrinks, my parents, and of course JoAnn who's been especially vocal about it. At least my parents... Yes, I know. I don't need another recap from you."

I started to storm off but she grabbed my arm pulling me back to her.

"Take it easy! I was just taken back is all." She put the pills down and grabbed me by the shoulders

"I'm not very good at this and I know you think I just enjoy being a bitch or something but it's because I'm worried. You have been through more than you should've been already and I take the blame for it. I should've seen what Jake-"

Hot N' cold I thought to myself as I kissed her.

"What's happened Is not your fault. Don't say that! I don't even think JoAnn believes that she's just hurt, and angry, and in need of someone to blame. She's not even gone easy on me, not that she ever does. So don't be blaming yourself or thinking I'm trying to get rid of you because that's not happening. Now take Dobby out since he's decided he likes you better and I'll be out in a few minutes."

I changed into a light blue dress and some sandals. I didn't know what to do about the bite mark. It was in an odd spot and I didn't have anything to cover it up with short of a scarf which was out of the question.

I had just started on my makeup when something crashed into the trailer so hard several pictures fell off the wall.

I quickly ran down the hall towards the door as my heart was pounding a mile a minute. Just as I got to the door that was already open a dark grey wolf appeared growling at me with saliva dripping from its large canines.

I stopped just short of its bite and very easily losing a limb or more. As I tried backing away from it I tripped and fell, hitting the counter. I screamed out as the pain tore through me.

My scream seemed to of paused the battle momentary. Expecting him to finish me off, I find its attention on the wolf that Nancy was fighting.

It was immediately clear that its intention was only to prevent me from interfering, not to hurt me and now that I was, it was in trouble.

"Ashley?"

The question slipped out as I looked at the large tan wolf. Some part of me was hoping it was Jake. Our eyes locked for just a second giving me all the Confirmation I needed