Ever since TJ was young she loved boxing, she loved the feeling of sweat running down her face and the way her muscles tightened as she pushed her body. Her parents thought it was a little odd that their daughter would rather take boxing classes than do dance like all the other girls but they knew their daughter was special. She was the youngest member of the Port Angeles boxing team at the age of 14 but she was also one of the toughest. Grown men couldn't even lay a hit on her unless she let them. In the ring she felt unbeatable, but outside of the ring she felt small.

"Okay, TJ, I'm done." Colin, her boxing partner said, as he went to his side to get something to drink.

They had been going at it for 45 minutes but to TJ it only felt like five. She felt the same as she always did after a match, energized and ready to go to the next match.

"TJ! Come here!" Ron, the manager called.

She took off her gloves, head guard and mouth piece as she walked towards him, taking a sip of water along the way. When she stopped in front of Ron she noticed someone she had never seen before standing next to him. He was tall with tanned skin and long black hair. He was wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts despite it being chilly today and his eyes looked around the place. She noticed that he seemed out of sorts and confused.

"TJ, this is Sam Uley, he's interested in joining the gym, but I thought he could experience first hand what we're all about."

Sam's eyes snapped to hers. "But she's a child."

His statement didn't phase her, she was used to being doubted. She walked away and stopped when she realized he still stood there.

"Are you coming or not?" He grunted but followed her. "No gloves." They didn't fight often without any gear but Sam deserved an ass kicking in her opinion for his comment.

The two got in the ring and circled each other.

"I've been training and I don't want to hurt you." He said and the guys around him laughed. Even TJ couldn't stop her top lip from curling up.

Quicker than he could've thought she was in front of him and landed a hit to his face. Instead of it breaking her hand, as he realized a few weeks ago that he was indestructible, he was shocked when her hit sent him to the ground. And even more shocked when he felt the blood pool in his mouth. He stood up on shaky legs, observing the young girl who looked like she didn't even break a sweat. He could feel the beast within him shake and he launched himself at her, she simply side stepped and at the last second, grabbed his hair and brought him down over her shoulder. It took him a second to realize she pinned him and he couldn't get up.

"Might want to cut your hair next time." She mumbled in his ear and let him go.

*

"You should do things that make you happy, forget everyone else." TJ commented after another sparring session.

They were at the Port Angeles mall eating sandwiches. Sam had five but TJ was content with one. Ever since they met a couple months ago, Sam had been coming back every day to train with just TJ as the other guys were no match for him.

Because of TJ, Sam was able to let his frustrations out when they sparred without the fear of hurting her and he also even cut his hair short. It didn't bother them that TJ was only 14 and he was 19, the pair bonded through fighting and even formed a friendship. TJ was wise beyond her years and taught him how to control his anger to work in his favor in a fight instead of letting it consume him like it did during their first fight. He couldn't tell her that he used her advice to practice in his wolf form, he had to keep the tribe secret.

He was thankful for her friendship, he didn't talk to many people besides Emily and the elders since he turned, so talking with TJ made him feel better. She didn't judge his decisions like the rest of the outsiders, like the whole Leah/Emily situation. She told him to do what made him happy and that was being with Emily, his imprint.

"Emily wants to meet you." TJ stopped mid chew, she was apprehensive around new people. "It would make me happy." TJ couldn't help but roll her eyes at her friend. People thought he was intimidating but once you looked past his size, he was a complete jokester.

"I guess, I need a ride home anyways."

*

TJ looked out the window as Sam drove, the buildings of the city being replaced by the trees of LaPush. As much as she missed the sun, she loved being in the small Native American Reservation town. The smell of the forest when it rained and the beach made her calm.

"We're here." He pulled in front of a small house that looked like her own and a beautiful woman was on the porch.

She turned her head to look away as the couple embraced and shared a small kiss. Then turned back around when she could feel eyes on her. She inwardly cursed Sam when he told her that she didn't need to shower. She felt disgusting in her usual sports bra, legging, and hoodie combo while Emily looked beautiful.

"I'm Emily Young, you must be TJ. Sam always talks about you." She pulled TJ into a hug and didn't seem to mind her sweat.

"All good things I hope."

"Don't worry." She giggled and TJ felt a little better, the woman was that easy to be around. "Are you guys hungry?"

"Starving!"

TJ wasn't even surprised, they had just ate an hour ago and Sam was still hungry. She declined the food but followed them in the house anyways.