I ignored Jake's concern for Bella when my eyes landed on the vampire that was trying to kill her. My snarl was the last sound heard before the leech turned and ran.

It was useless though because we were faster. In an instant Sam and I launched after the beast the others following behind. Jared and Jacob flanking Sam; Paul and Embry flanking me.

I got to the beast first, launching through the trees too fast and quiet for him to realize I was there. By the time he turned it was too late, I had grabbed his head and yanked it off of his shoulders. Sam and the others quickly tore the rest of the body apart. Before we dragged him away for disposal.

And like that we killed our first vampire. On the way back to La Push the others hyped each other up.

After checking in with Emily and the others I went home where I was hoping to rest for the evening, it had been too long since I got a full night sleep.

So, once I got back to Emily's I put on a jacket and pants before heading back home. I agreed to pick my mom up from Charlies so that we could go out for dinner. I also wanted to make sure Bella did make it back home safely, without exposing myself of course.

"don't forget Al, tomorrow night" Paul reminded me with a smirk. I shook my head with a laugh as I left. I knew Sam wouldn't approve but Paul thought we could all use some fun. Which meant he and I were going out. Embry wouldn't risk it, Sam and Jared had imprints and Jacob blew us off, moping about Bella.

I was ushered inside almost immediately when I got to the Swan Residence. My mom was helping Charlie clean up. It was strange, yet comforting to see them in such a domestic situation.

I heard the roar of Bella's truck before the others did. Her heartbeat was frantic as she ran into the home slamming the door behind her, hastily turning the locks. It was obvious she was terrified, and unfortunately I had the feeling that it was about the wolves and not the vampire that tried to kill her.

"Bella?" Charlie called out.

"Yeah, it's me." she responded with a quiver in her voice before entering the kitchen.

"Where have you been?" Charlie thundered, appearing through the kitchen doorway with an ominous expression. My mom was right behind him her hand on the small of his back. I was sitting on the back of the couch, near the living room.

The sound of the ending game was overwhelmed by the concern of Charlies voice. It was preseason for Baseball and that kept Charlie entertained most evenings. It was hilarious when my mom's team played against his.

"I was hiking"

My mom's eyes widened, and quickly she flickered to my face. There was talks of the 'bear' and missing hikers, so she knew something was up. And she knew I was in the woods most nights.

Charlie's eyes were tight. "What happened to going to Jessica's?"

"I didn't feel like Calculus today."

Charlie folded his arms across his chest. "I thought I asked you to stay out of the forest."

"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't do it again." She shuddered, her clothing was covered in dirt and grass stains. I suspect she fell a lot on her way out of the forest.

"What happened?" Charlie demanded.

"I saw the bear." she said her voice high and shaky. "It's not a bear, though - it's some kind of wolf. And there are six of them. Two big black ones, and gray, and reddish-brown..."

Charlie's eyes grew round with horror. My eyes widened, good for the effect but I truly didn't believe she would straight out tell Charlie. Of course, she didn't mention the vampire, but telling him about the wolves that saved her was another thing.

She was terrified of us.

"Are you okay?"

Bella's head bobbed in a weak nod.

"Tell me what happened."

"They didn't pay any attention to me. But after they were gone, I ran away, and I fell down a lot."

Charlie wrapped Bella in a hug, the moment gave my mom a chance to look at me, her eyes full of fear.

"Wolves," Charlie murmured.

"What?"

"The rangers said the tracks were wrong for a bear - but wolves just don't get that big..."

Tracks... they found our tracks? This wasn't good, how could we be so careless, so easily discovered.

"These were huge."

"How many did you say you saw?"

"Six."

Charlie shook his head, frowning with anxiety, He finally spoke in a tone that allowed no argument. "No more hiking."

"No problem," Bella promised fervently. Charlie then turned to me.

"you either, the woods are too dangerous"

I nodded "yes, sir."

Charlie left to call in the report to the station and Bella lied a little to make it sound like she saw the wolves on the trail. It would work in our favor; I'd have to call Sam and have them clear the area of our prints.

Charlie and my mom walked out of the room for a moment, leaving Bella and I alone. I saw Bella look at me for the first time. Her eyes held something that I couldn't explain, I knew Jacob told her about the 'Gang' and she knew I was a part of it. And she didn't like it at all, that much was obvious in her expression.

"you look better" I told her "I mean you look scared shitless, but better than before"

"yeah, you look healthier." She replied with some skepticism.

"new medicine. A more holistic approach."

Charlie and my mom returned then; Bella was preparing to leave the room, but Charlie stopped her.

"Hey," Charlie said, his voice suddenly suspicious again. "Didn't you say Jacob was gone for the day?"

"That's what Billy said," Bella told him, Charlie's eyes flitted over to me.

"Huh."

"Why?"

"Well, it's just that when I went to pick up Harry, I saw Jacob out in front of the store down there with some of his friends and Alex. I waved hi, but he... well, I guess I don't know if he saw me. I think maybe he was arguing with his friends. He looked strange, like he was upset about something. And... different. It's like you can watch that kid growing! He gets bigger every time I see him."

"Billy said Jake and his friends were going up to Port Angeles to see some movies. They were probably just waiting for someone to meet them." Bella added but they both turned to me for a response.

I furrowed my brows; I don't recall seeing Charlie today. But I knew exactly what we were arguing about, Bella. "I don't remember seeing you, sorry. But I do remember us being at the store, we were debating about getting snacks at the store or at the movies. Jacob and I were trying to convince them that it would be bad for business if we snuck snacks in"

I played it up, I knew I could convince Charlie of anything. Bella was a little suspicious, obviously because of what Jacob told her. But there were no more words as my mom ushered us out.

We met Eve at the diner and the tension was palpable. I knew I was in for it when we got home.

True to that thought I was cornered by my mom, the moment we got home. Which was funny considering I was three inches taller than her and strong. I would never hurt her, but the mental image was just too funny, even Eve laughed. Then stopped when my mom turned her glare on her.

It was like two kids being scolded.

"what the... hell... happened today?"

My eyes widened. I had never heard my mom curse before, ever. And I had never seen her like this.

"what do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. Bella saw you, all of you"

I sighed; do I tell her the truth. A vampire was trying to kill Bella. That would only scare her. "we had to take care of something"

My mom shook her head "that's not good enough Alexandra"

"I can't... if I tell you, it will scare you. You'll never be able to go anywhere without being afraid and it could put you guys in danger, and I can't... I can't do that anymore than me being me does"

My mom's eyes softened. She didn't like it; she was the mom, and her job was to protect me but at some point, the roles reversed. I had to protect her and Eve and everyone. "I promise what we did today was necessary to protect the hikers and Bella. It's what dad did and it's what I do. You have to trust me, if I can keep this from you and keep you safe I will. Only when it's necessary can I tell you everything"

Eve grabbed my mom's hand "Al will be okay. The only thing we need to worry about is her drawing attention from all the boys or girls. I mean look at her, she's a catch. Our genes no doubt," she grinned smug "and then you can give them the shovel talk"

My mom let out a small laugh, I was grateful my aunt was able to keep things light.