Chapter Eight

"Could you hand me the tongs?" Sam glanced over at Riley from his spot at the grill. He watched as her eyes roamed the table, "Did Paul not bring them out?"

Riley shrugged her shoulders, "I wouldn't be shocked," They shared a grin, "I'll go check." Riley and Sam were finally comfortable around each other. Currently, they worked together cooking up a meal for not only the boys, but the tribe elders as well. It was Riley's first bonfire that the elders were also at. They hadn't arrived yet, but Riley was excited to see Sue. So far, it was only her, Sam, Pippen, and Paul. Paul had picked her and her dog up first before swinging by Sam's. He had the grill, so they had put that in the bed of the truck along with the table, some utensil bags, and half of the food. Half the food had fit into approximately five different bags.

She glanced over towards the bonfire area. Paul had been busy adding wood to the fire, but now he was trying to convince Pippen to bring back the stick he'd been breaking apart to use as kindling. The dog was adamantly ignoring the older boy, running away from him as he held the stick as high as he could.

Laughing softly, she started to make her way back up towards the parking lot. Riding over in Paul's truck had been a tight squeeze. Riley had ended up sitting between Sam and Paul on the bench seat. She was still a little sweaty. Riley stood up on her tiptoes to peek into the bed of the truck, rolling her eyes when she saw that Paul had forgotten to grab two of the bags.

Riley made her way to the back, dropping the tailgate and jumping up into the back. The sound of laughter in the distance made her glance up just as she picked up the bags. Embry and Quil were making their way down the road. Two other tall figures accompanied them as well. Her eyebrows furrowed, having no clue who the other boys were. As they got closer, she noticed that they were just as big as all the other boys.

She hopped down, closing the tailgate behind her. Once he was close enough, Embry embraced Riley in a bear hug. He kept his arm around her as he turned her around. "Riley, meet Collin and Brady. Our newest recruits." Riley was surprised at how young the two boys looked, despite their height. The two couldn't be older than fourteen. "Colin and Brady," Embry pulled Riley closer, "Riley Petry."

She put her hand out, shaking each of their hands' in turn. She offered a shy smile, "Glad you two could make it." She snuck out of her spot under Embry's arm, giving Quil a quick side hug. The five of them made their way down to the beach together, Colin telling Riley how he was excited to go into eighth grade next year.

Sam waved once they were close enough, Riley holding up both bags triumphantly in response. Paul had given up on trying to catch the shepherd, instead he was making his way towards the woods to find another thin branch. "He may need help with the fire," Riley glanced over her shoulder at the boys. None of them moved, "Quil?"

Quil Atera rolled his eyes as he let out a long groan, "Why me?"

"Because I don't know Collin and Brady well enough to tell them what to do," She shrugged, "And I owe Embry the world."

Embry beamed before mocking his best friend, "The whole world." Quil flipped him off as he jogged ahead to go help Paul.

"What'd Embry do?" Brady spoke up, curiosity covering his face.

"He's helping me with math." Riley grinned, "A real lifesaver. I think he should start a side business."

Colin nudged Brady with his elbow, "He should help you out."

"Woah, now. I don't have time for that, and I only tutor pretty girls." Riley let out a laugh, shoving Embry a little.

Brady's eyes widened in excitement, "A dog!"

"He's mine," Riley told them, watching as the shepherd chewed on his stolen kindling. "He'll join in the soccer game once it starts up."

It wasn't long until almost everyone else arrived. Riley had smiled wide when she saw Sue arrive with Seth and Leah in tow, running up to the woman who had become almost a second mother to the young girl. They hugged one another tightly before Riley offered to take the dish she had been carrying, throwing a look at Seth as she took it. He held up his hands defensively, "I offered to carry it and she said no."

"Mmmhmmmm." Riley hummed as Leah wrapped her arm around Riley's shoulders. The older girl tilted her head, resting it against Riley's as they walked together. Sue watched the two girls, a soft smile on her lips.

Sam was in full chef mode, throwing as many burgers and hot dogs on the grill as he could. Riley and Leah paused together, dropping off Sue's contribution. Further down the beach a soccer game was just starting. The girls parted, Leah going to join in the game as Riley walked over to sit beside Kim and Emily in the sand. "So," Riley plopped down with about as much grace as a brick, "Who're these Collin and Brady boys?"

Kim rolled her eyes, "New kids. I like them so far."

Riley looked to Emily expectantly, "They've been over a couple times. They're sweet boys."

Riley pouted a little, "No one told me about them." The other girls shrugged.

"Paul said he would." Kim informed her, "He must have forgotten."

"Shocking." Emily chuckled. Riley's eyes searched for Paul in the soccer group. She located him quickly, watching as he hip-checked Jared to the side as he kicked the ball down the beach. "Are you excited to hear the legends?" Riley beamed as she nodded her head, her attention back on Emily.

"I know them by heart," She glanced towards the elders who had already arrived, only Billy Black was missing, "But hearing them told by someone else is always so much better. Plus," She added, "I'm sure the elders know more details than what's written down in books."

Kim nodded, "Jake's dad always tells them, though Old Quil likes to add as he goes along. Jake should be here soon."

Riley glanced back towards the parking lot, shrugging her shoulders. They'd be here eventually. "Hey, Ransom!" She looked back towards the ocean at Paul's shout. "Come look at this!" She rolled her eyes but got up anyways.

"I'll be right back." She told her friends. Riley made her way down the beach, Pippen loping up to her. The dog had been chasing around the ball for the past twenty minutes. "What is it?" She asked as she made her way closer to Paul. The rest of the boys had paused the game, Jared smirking a couple feet away. Riley's eyebrows furrowed together, "I don't-" She shrieked as Paul swept her off her feet in one smooth motion. She turned in his arms, shoving his shoulder in a futile attempt to get put down. He was laughing loudly, his head thrown back as he began to walk towards the water. "Paul!" Riley tried to twist, but he only tightened his grip. Pippen trotted hot on Paul's heels, barking occasionally as his tail wagged. "No! Put me down!" The water was up to Paul's shins now. A wave rolled in, hitting his legs and making the water spray up, drenching Riley's back, she shrieked again, her arms wrapping around his neck as she tried to pull herself up and further away from the water. He kept walking further, pausing before looking back at his friends on the shoreline.

"Twenty bucks?" He called back.

She stilled for a moment to glare up at him, her jaw dropping, "This is a bet!"

It was Jared who yelled back, "Thirty if you throw her!"

Her arms tightened around his neck, "No, no, no." She glanced between Paul and the water.

"It's not cold."

"You have skewed judgement, you're never cold." Paul smirked, taking a big breath before sitting backwards.

They both disappeared underneath the water, Riley's nerves screaming as the cool water surrounded her. Her tank top and shorts instantly clung to her body. Paul let go of her while they were still under the water and she shoved away from him. She stood up quickly, sputtering and wiping the water droplets off her face. Turning around, she saw Paul was already up as well. The water only came up to his waist, while it came up above her hips.

The water wasn't as bad as she'd been expecting, but she still had a frown firmly set on her face. Paul had turned and was making his way back to the shore. Riley moved as fast as she could, grabbing his shoulder and jumping up at him. Her legs wrapped around his waist. His body heat as a welcome opposition from the water, even through his thin t-shirt. The boys were doubled over laughing further up the beach, "You suck!" She called out, "All of you!" She stayed on Paul's back once they were out of the water. Pippen stuck his nose up, touching the bottom of her foot. Riley rolled her eyes at the boys, looking further up the beach.

The elders were all lined up, some still laughing as they watched Riley and Paul. Riley's head tilted to the side a little when she spotted a girl standing next to Jacob, "Who's that?"

Paul answered her simply, as he helped his imprint balance by holding onto her thighs, "Bella Swan."

"Huh," Riley leaned forward, resting her chin on Paul's shoulder, "She's taller than I expected." The dog had noticed the newcomers as well, barking once before he started to run up the beach. Jacob knelt down, opening his arms as the dog headed straight for him.

"How long are you planning on staying on my back?"

"Till you take me up towards the grill."

"Why not here? We're gunna keep the game going."

"Because I'm soaking wet," She told him, "And I don't want sand sticking to my shorts when I sit down. Plus," She paused, "I've never met Quil or Jake's dads."

Paul sighed, "Okay."

"Hey Jared," Riley called out, Kim's boyfriend glancing over with a smirk still on his lips, "Was this your idea?"

"Good one, right?" Riley flipped him off, the boys erupting into laughter again. Paul kept walking, shaking his head as he went. He stopped once they were a few feet away, smiling at the elders. He let go of Riley's legs, the girl hopping down off his back.

Normally, she would be nervous meeting new people, but she was more excited this time. "Hi," She still smiled shyly, "it's an honor to meet you all." She glanced down at herself, "Sorry I'm all wet."

Billy rolled forwards, sticking his hand out, "You must be Riley," She smiled, as Billy nodded in his son's direction, "Jacob's spoken very highly of you." Bella gave her friend a perplexed look, Billy smirked, "A lot." Paul's eyes narrowed slightly as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Old Quil came forwards next, grasping Riley's hand with his right before covering it with the left, "A pleasure to finally meet you." She nodded her head and returned the greeting.

"You two have good timing," Billy told them, inclining his head towards Sam, "Food's almost ready." Riley saw Emily and Kim were already uncovering things.

"Excuse me," Riley said politely, "I should go help." She took a short detour first, walking over to accept a hug from Jacob. "Hi," She held out her hand, "Riley Petry."

Bella Swan was taller than Riley, her features a bit softer as well. Her arms were crossed awkwardly across her chest. Her shoulders were tense as well, making her look more out of place than she already was. She stared down at Riley's offered hand for a second before carefully accepting the handshake. "Bella Swan." Riley's answering smile made Bella relax a little. Riley excused herself again, jogging over to the table and unwrapping the salad bowl.

The elders helped themselves first, followed by the girls, Bella, Leah, and then the boys. Riley turned just in time to watch Seth throw Pippen a hamburger. "Seth!" She snapped, the young boy's eyes widening as he realized he'd been caught.

"He looked hungry!" He defended his actions.

"He's always hungry." She pointed a finger at him as she sat in atop one of the logs, grimacing as her wet pants seeped out some excess water. She had to grab two plates just to be sure the water didn't go through to her food.

Billy Black looked at her from across the firepit, "Sue mentioned you've been working at the museum." He started, Riley nodded her head enthusiastically, "How's that going?"

Riley covered her mouth her with hand for a moment, "Good," She took a pause to swallow her food, smiling at Sue who sat on the log next to Billy, "I think I do a pretty good job, but that's up to my boss."

Sue smiled as she shook her head, "She's fantastic," She told Billy, "So many guests have come back and commented on how well she knows the legends."

Billy smiled again, "Maybe I'll be able to teach you some of the finer details tonight." Riley beamed at him, nodding her head eagerly. She startled a little when she Paul was suddenly stepping over the log right next to her.

"Woah, Lahote, you're in the sand tonight." Quil snapped his finger and pointed to the ground. He grinned at Riley, "He lost a bet."

Paul settled down in the sand right in front of Riley, he ignored her annoyed huff as he settled against her legs. "But I still won twenty bucks." Jacob and Bella sat on the log beside the elders as Kim and Jared took up the rest of Riley's. Bella studied the two pairs with a high degree of interest. She leaned towards Jacob, whispering something Riley couldn't hear. Her friend nodded his head, pausing to listen to Bella's next question.

"Oh no," Jake stared at Paul and Riley, "Not yet."

The ravine that separated La Push and Forks had been formed centuries ago. Carved away by the coursing river that began in the mountaintops and deposited down into the sea. It settled in parts, the water almost still on some straightaways. Only to pick up momentum again and rage downwards. The whitewater crashing against anything that stood in its way, the spray coating the earth that thrives on either side.

Riley sat atop one of the rocks, her feet dangling precariously over the rushing water below. She was mesmerized; watching as the water rushed over the sharp rocks. The power of water was something that had always fascinated her. Just like the ocean, it calmed her down. Today though, she needed to hear the rush of the river.

It had been over two weeks since she'd gone into the woods on her own. Riley had kept up her promise to Paul. As promised, he had come along with her and her friends when they went climbing last week. He bonded with Taylor, Maddy, and Nick, which she was happy about. But it was still different. But right now? She just needed to be alone. Really alone in the woods.

For that reason, Pippen had been left at home. Riley had dropped him off after work, telling her mother she would be back in a couple hours. That day had been hard for Riley. And it had been a long time since she had a hard day. Nothing that she could think of had triggered it. She just really missed her father, she missed when they were a family. When her mom wasn't gone most of the time. Even though her father should be home in a week, she still missed him more than anything. And she was worried about the finals she had taken last week. Riley was thrilled that school was over for the year, but her math test had been harder than expected, even with all of Embry's help.

So, she had made the hour-long trek out to the ravine. It was a spot she had only been to once. Years ago, when her father was around, even before the wolves had returned to the reservation. Riley hoped it would keep her from being found. The boys were in the woods a lot. The reason? Paul still hadn't told her. At this point, it annoyed her.

It had been two weeks since Paul had said he would tell her whatever it was "soon". She had hoped he would tell her after the bonfire last Saturday, but it hadn't happened. So, here she was, still in the dark. She had felt all their looks as Billy had recited the legends, it was enough to make her uncomfortable. Something was up, she was convinced of that. Since that night she hadn't been able to look at them the same. They were different, Paul had told her that, she just wasn't sure how. She had pressured him about it, but he wouldn't budge.

Speak of the devil, she thought, just as she heard footsteps coming towards her. She turned her head to look at him, her eyebrows raising instantly at his furious expression. "What the fuck are you doing out here?!" He demanded in a tone she had never heard before.

His immediate anger pissed her off, "Sitting." The word spat out of her mouth.

"Riley," he ran his hands through his short hair, "You're not allowed out here." She was on her feet then, striding up to him.

"I'm not allowed!?" He wasn't a person in her life that could tell her what she was allowed to do in her free time. Only her parents had the authority to do that. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize I needed your permission!" Her voice rose. She had never yelled at Paul before, but then again, he had never yelled at her either.

"God, it's not safe. How many times-"

She didn't want to hear it again. A useless demand with no explanation. She was tired of it. Tired of her day. Tired of feeling how she was feeling. Tired of people bossing her around. Something inside her snapped. "WHY!?" Her voice came out strong as she stood taller. "For fuck's sake Paul! I deserve that much!"

"You're not safe!" He stood taller; his chest was starting to heave. "I can't protect-"

"I don't need you to protect me!" Her voice echoed through the trees, Paul took a few more steps closer to her. "I don't need you surveying my every move! It's exhausting!"

His jaw was clenched shut. Paul's shoulders were shaking more than she'd ever seen them shake before, "Don't say that," he ground out, "You're coming home," She opened her mouth to cut him off but as he went to grab her wrist roughly she changed her mind.

In that moment, she hated Paul. Hated how he was trying to control her. Hated how he wouldn't tell her anything. Hated how he was ordering her around. He had no rights to her. She was being treated like an object.

So. Instead of her flight instinct, she chose to fight. He wasn't prepared at all for her fist to make contact with his nose. There was an audible crack on contact, one of Riley's knuckles breaking right away. The pain shot through her hand as she stumbled backwards, holding it close to her body.

The girl looked up at Paul then. Terror coursed through her veins at what she saw. His chest heaved as he teeth ground together so hard she could see a vein from his temple. She spun around on her heel, ignoring the throbbing of her hand as she took two bounding steps towards the woods. She vaguely registered the sound of fabric ripping before pain erupted across the right side of her torso.

Giant claws ripped her shirt and skin to shreds as they made contact. The sensation only lasted for a moment before she was in the air, her body slamming into the ground ten feet away. Her shoulder took most of the force, a loud pop filling the air as it separated from her body. Riley's head followed, slamming into the forest floor. Her vision swam in and out as she looked up, her eyes widening at what she saw.

A gigantic wolf stood where she had just been. Its body was a dark gray, except for the wolf's face. The sides of its muzzle and cheeks were a light brown. Glancing down it's chest, she could tell the whole belly was that color as well. Riley couldn't think straight, the edges of her vision were going black. Her gaze left the wolf and went to her side. Blood. Her blood. Her skin reminded her of when she would cut cold butter with a hot knife. Riley looked back to the wolf, her eyes drifting down to its right paw. It was red around the edges.

She barely registered the voices that were suddenly around her, "Jacob, get her out of here."

"Sam. She needs a doctor,"

"Then take her to one." Sam's voice took on a tone Riley had never heard before, "Paul! Stay away from her!"

Jacob

Patrol with Sam and Paul wasn't very fun. Usually, having a shift with Paul wasn't too bad. He'd joke around with you. Sam very rarely did so, he took his role of alpha too seriously. But ever since Victoria had been spotted a couple weeks ago the two of them had been unbearable. Jake tried to understand the best he could. They had their imprints to protect. The bonfire had helped everyone chill out a little bit, but the vampire's scent had been found again two days ago.

But Paul wouldn't even tell Riley about it all. Personally, Jacob thought it was a mistake. His excuse of her being in more danger had some truth to it, but not much. The whole pack knew he was scared she may react poorly.

Jacob thought she would take it pretty well, if told in the right way. Sam was even getting impatient with Paul. 'Mind your own business, Jake.' Paul's thoughts had some kick to them today.

He wanted the whole vampire situation to be over with. Just like the rest of the wolves. But this is what they were made for. Sure, increased patrol was annoying, but they had Collin and Brady now too, so they lightened the load.

Jacob slowed to a trot as Paul ran into a scent trail that made a low snarl come from his mouth. Riley. Sam and Jacob recognized it too.

Sam sighed internally, "Bring her home." He instructed, "Then come back." Paul phased a moment later.

"Sam, you know he has to tell her."

"That's his choice to make."

"She already knows something's different. He told her that much then stopped." Jacob thought about how Riley had been treating them all a little different. Her smile was just a little tighter, her words a little more thought out.

Sam and Jacob stopped running simultaneously as shouts echoed through the trees. "Fuck." Jacob wheeled around, sprinting as fast as he could towards the ravine, Sam doing the same even though he was further away.

"I don't need you to protect me!" Jake had never heard Riley raise her voice so much, "I don't need you surveying my every move! It's exhausting!"

Fury suddenly filled Jacob and Sam's minds, their hearts dropping.

"Riley, run." Jacob thought it just as he and Sam saw what Paul did through his mind. They watched Paul leap at her, catching her right side with his claws. They ripped through her shirt, and part of her side, easily. All three wolves could smell the blood.

Jacob got there first, phasing back to human form before rushing to the girl's side. He sent a glare back to Paul, who stood a couple feet away, still unable to phase back. His eyes didn't leave his imprint.

"Jacob, get her out of here."

"Sam," He looked at her still bleeding side, "She needs a doctor."

"Then take her to one!" Jacob knew what was racing through Sam's head. Emily.

Jake heard Paul move for the first time, "Paul!" The alpha voice made Jacob flinch, "Stay away from her!"

Jacob carefully tried to find a way to pick up Riley without touching the claw marks in her side. "Riley?" He whispered to her, "Come on, Riley. Can you hear me?"

"Jacob?" She sounded faraway.

"Yah, it's Jacob." He slid one arm under her shoulders and the other behind her knees, "This is gunna hurt." He picked her up swiftly, a sharp cry escaping her lips.

A whine came from Paul, who had backed up but still watched. His ears were flat against his head. Jacob glared at him, "You didn't deserve to imprint."

Sam narrowed his eyes at Jake. "Take her to Forks." Paul growled, "I'll get her mom."

Jacob nodded, pushing himself into a run. He didn't want to jump the ravine with her in his arms, so he had to go around. His arms became slicker as she continued to bleed from her wounds. He didn't regret his harsh words to Paul. Everyone had been worried when he imprinted. Jacob had found it extremely unfair. Someone as volatile as Paul shouldn't be given that kind of blessing. Especially not someone like Riley.

She didn't deserve for this to happen to her. And Paul sure as hell didn't deserve someone like her.

He stepped out onto the main road, yelling frantically when he caught sight of a van driving towards Forks. It slowed, stopping next to him, the driver unrolling the window. "Oh my god," a younger woman covered her mouth with her hands.

"Please," Jake begged, "can you take us to the hospital?" She nodded her head repeatedly, slamming the car in park and rushing to open the trunk for him.

"This should be easiest." Jake just nodded, climbing into the back. The woman closed the trunk and rushed back to the driver seat.

"Riley?" Jacob tried to talk to her, "Can you hear me?" His eyes welled up as she didn't answer. She didn't even move, but he could hear her heart beating. It didn't feel like she was bleeding as much.

"What happened?" Their savior asked him, glancing at them in the rear view. She sped through a red light.

"Bear attack." It was a smooth lie. The driver just nodded. Two minutes later they were pulling into the hospital parking lot. Jacob's eyes widened slightly when he saw Carlisle was already standing outside, a gurney by his side. Sam must have called and let him know they were coming.

Jacob stepped out the back as soon as the trunk opened; his eyes finding the vampire's. "Sam called." He confirmed as Jacob lay Riley down on the stretcher. Her gray shirt was sticking in the claw marks, the fabric around them stained a dark red. Looking down at himself he saw that his entire torso was bloody. "Come with us." The doctor instructed him. Jacob followed them into the hospital, his gaze never leaving Riley's now-pale face.

Two nurses rushed her down the hallway, Jacob and Carlisle jogging to keep up with them. They pushed her into a room at the end of the hall. "How long has it been?"

"Ten minutes." Jacob told him. The vampire nodded. He walked up to Riley's side, glancing at the wounds as one of the nurse's frantically hooked her up to an IV.

"Cut her shirt off." Carlisle ordered, "We need to clean the wounds quickly then rewrap them." The nurse was already working on it before he could finish his sentence.

Jacob felt like he was in a dream as he stood off to the side, Carlisle and his nurses moving around the room in professional haste. He vaguely took note of the gashes Paul had left. Four long streaks that started below her right breast and then ran around her side. Two of them went further, bending down to her lower back. Paul must have had a little control left; the cuts should be a lot deep than they were if he'd done it blindly. He was trying to stop himself instantly after phasing.

It didn't make anything better. Jacob had been extremely jealous of his brother imprinting months ago, but that was just at the action in general. She would've been better off if someone else imprinted on her. Anyone else but Paul. It was cruel thought, and one that Jacob knew wasn't true. The spirits weren't wrong; it was a hard lesson that he was still trying to come to terms with.

The nurses cleaned her wounds thoroughly before wrapping her torso. The bandage bled through quickly, Jacob watching as they wrapped another layer over the previous bandage. The older nurse looked to the doctor, "She's lost a lot of blood."

He nodded his head, "Prep for a transfusion." He told him, then looked to the other nurse, "O positive." Jacob shifted to the side to get out of the way of the rushing nurse. His hands rubbed over his eyes. He couldn't believe this was actually happening.

As he worked, Carlisle informed Jacob that the wounds weren't as deep as he originally feared, but due to the damage to her latissimus dorsi on the right side, she would need surgery. The nurse returned a moment later, multiple blood bags in her arms. Jacob watched Carlisle closely, but the vampire didn't even pause as he took the bags and set them up properly. Almost as soon as the blood entered her body, Riley's blood pressure started slowly returning to normal.

"Where is she?" Maria's voice was frantic and could be heard through the closed door, "Please," Jacob stepped out of the room, raising a hand slowly to her mother. Embry, Seth, and Sam all followed closely behind her.

Carlisle put a gentle hand on her shoulder, "She's resting, we've already bandaged her torso several times to get the bleeding to stop. She's getting a transfusion." He looked up, his golden eyes shining, "We can go back inside to talk, do you want them all here." The older woman looked back at the boys.

Tears welled in her eyes as she noticed the dried blood on Jacob's torso, "Hey, Jake." He looked up to Seth, the younger wolf held out a clean set of clothes and his phone.

He stepped forwards, letting out a shaky breath as he took them. "Thanks, Seth." He nodded to Embry and Sam, "I'll be right back."

"They can come in," her mom decided, "they saved her." Sam cringed slightly, his lips pulling up slightly as he passed the vampire.

Riley

Her mind was slow to regain consciousness more than thirty hours after the attack. She was unaware of all that had transpired in that time. The one thing she was aware of as she came to, was how much pain she was in.

It seemed to stem from her side. From there it traveled around to her back, and even up her right arm down to her hand. It was strange, and she didn't initially know why.

"You're okay." A smooth voice told her before she had opened her eyes. It was a man, his words coming out with a smooth midwestern accent. She didn't recognize it at all, "My father's in charge of your care." Riley opened her eyes, blinking rapidly to try and make her vision focus. Her brain seemed to be pounding against her skull. She wanted to close her eyes again, but the boy in the corner put her on edge. His skin was ghastly white, his eyes a pure gold color. His bronze hair was disheveled on his head, sticking out this way and that.

But who was he? "Edward," Riley stiffened, wincing instantly as her own skin tugged against itself. Edward stood up, effortlessly walking to her bedside. "You're to save your energy." He relayed the words he was meant too, "You underwent surgery yesterday. You also have a major concussion, a cracked rib, and a broken knuckle."

Her eyes widened as she realized he could hear her thoughts. Edward just nodded, "I'll go get Sam." She relaxed a little bit at the mention of someone she actually knew. Edward turned away from her, taking a couple steps towards the door. Where was her mom? "She's working," she was told, "Sam and I need to talk to you. Then we'll fetch your mother." Riley closed her eyes again.

Edward was only gone for a few moments, Riley's head throbbed the entire time. She glanced up as the door opened again. Riley took note of how Sam still glared at Edward. He stopped once he was by her side, nodding down at her. "We're glad you're awake." His deep voice rumbled, "Edward's going to translate for us." It was something Sam didn't seem too happy about; "Carlisle was adamant that you shouldn't get too worked up right away." Riley frowned, "What do you remember?" She stared down at the plain white sheet that lay over her.

She remembered sitting by the ravine. Watching the river rush over the earth and rocks. She remembered being fed up with everything and Paul showing up. She glanced up, where was Paul? "She wants to know where Paul is." She ran through everything she already knew. How they were different somehow, they healed faster, they were bigger.

Sam shook his head, "We'll get to that. What do you remember?" Her expression was blank as she pictured it. The gigantic brown and gray wolf standing a couple feet away from where Paul had been. There had been blood on his paw.

"Seeing the wolf after she was attacked." Edward told Sam her thoughts. It bugged her, "Her blood was on him."

"Riley," Sam walked closer, she flinched, "you know the legends." She nodded. Of course, she knew the legends. She'd heard them hundreds of times. She had been at the bonfire.

Suddenly, her mind went numb. The legends. The tribe protectors who could be one with the wolves. Spirit warriors. She thought of how much bigger the boys were than everyone else. They were faster, stronger. How they ate so much food and still needed more. She thought of how they were gone. "Security" is what she was always told. Security in the woods.

"She's got it." Edwards voice was low. The boys were tribal spirit warriors. "Werewolves." Edward felt the need to correct her.

"We protect the tribe from vampires." What the fuck, she thought. Vampires? Riley was halfway to thinking they weren't real when her gaze landed on Edward again.

Edward grinned. "She's smart." The heartrate monitor started to beep faster as her thoughts raced.

"Our people hold a treaty with the Cullens. They are only to feed off animals. Should they bite a human," Sam stood taller as he turned his shoulders slightly towards Edward, "we kill them all."

Sam had never been one for words, her thought made Edward chuckle again. Every fiber of her being was telling her to run from him, especially since she now knew he was a Cold One. But seeing Sam (relatively) calm around him made her feel a little better. Riley was surprised that it made her feel better. Sam Uley turned into a giant dog. Sure, that was terrifying, but a vampire seemed a lot worse. She wondered how the pack worked. "The pack?" Edward said it aloud.

"I'm alpha. Jacob's beta, then Jared, Paul, Quil, Embry, Leah, Seth, Colin, and Brady."

Where was Paul? Edward related her question. "We don't know." Sam's eyes were hard. "He ran off after Jacob left with you." The pain that ran through her chest overwhelmed her. It so strong that Edward felt it through her mind, the vampire put a hand over his own unbeating heart. Paul had left her.

She looked down at herself. Her right arm was in a sling, her knuckles in a cast, and her entire torso was wrapped up. Morphine was dripping into her veins and a heart monitor was stuck to her finger. Paul had done all of this. She realized it a moment later. That's why she didn't see him when she looked up. He was the wolf. "We haven't heard from him since." Riley's throat closed up. Why?

"Paul attacked her," Edward glanced down at her, "She wants to know why."

"He was mad." Sam explained, "We can phase if we get too angry, unfortunately. His temper is something Paul struggles with." She thought back to all the times Paul would start shaking. How she had been near him dozens of times when it happened. She remembered how Jared would usually hold onto his best friend's shoulders in those moments, or how Paul would reach out to her. Riley was scared. She wanted her mom.

Edward stood up, "I'll go fetch her." And then it was just her and Sam.

"Take as long as you need." He told her. "A member of the pack will be with you until you can go home." Sam frowned at the door, "I don't trust them, no matter what the treaty says." Riley thought that Sam may be the worst person ever at putting someone at ease. Riley wasn't sure how she felt having a werewolf with her all the time either.

They're your friends. A little voice in the back of her head whispered it to her.

There were multiple voices outside the door a minute later. Her mother walked slowly into the room, a strained smile spreading across her face when she saw her daughter awake. "Riley." She breathed. Edward and Seth came into the room next, followed by a blonde-haired man in a white doctor's coat. Riley tensed at the sight of him, his pale skin and gold eyes gave away what he was.

Her eyes widened as he put a hand on her mom's shoulders. "Riley," his voice was smooth like Edward's, "I'm so glad you're awake. I'm Carlisle Cullen, I've overseen your care since your arrival."

From behind him, she saw Seth calmly shaking his head. When the two made eye contact, he pointed between her mom and the doctor.

She didn't know the Cullens were vampires? Edward shook his head, the movement so subtle she almost missed it. Of course, she didn't know. Riley looked at the doctor, her mom had only said good things about the man. Riley suddenly felt overwhelmed by it all, she felt like she was going to cry. She looked to Seth. He's my friend, she reminded herself. She thought of all the hours she's spent in the museum, just her and Seth laughing and joking around for hours.

He was still Seth, the same boy who was one of her best friends. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Riley moved her hand, flipping it over so her palm was up. He understood what she wanted and walked over to her side, taking her hand in his before giving it a squeeze.

Edward watched the interaction curiously. He had never seen anything quite like the bond that was shared between the werewolves before. Now, it was clear that it ran between the wolves and other, human, members of the pack. The imprint didn't just bond her to Paul, it helped her bond with the rest of the wolves as well. It was fascinating.

Riley only half listened as the head vampire told her what her injuries were. What surgery they had performed to piece together her torn muscle. "I'm afraid the scars will be dramatic." She wasn't worried about that. "I'd like to keep you here for a couple days, a week or so. Just to make sure your antibiotics are administered properly, and that infection doesn't set in." The doctor's voice was completely calm and he smiled softly at her. It didn't ease her nerves at all, she clutched Seth's hand tighter.

Riley's mom recognized how overwhelmed her daughter was and chose to answer for her, "That's fine, I have a feeling she won't have a shortage of visitors." Sam nodded his head.

"I have to go," he announced as soon as Carlisle left the room. "You sticking around, Seth?" The young boy nodded.

Riley's mom called out to Sam as he was halfway through the doorway; he turned around, "Thank you." Her words were extremely genuine, "My daughter would probably be dead if you boys weren't nearby."

Sam visibly struggled with his response, settling for a simple, "You're welcome."

Maria and Seth chatted for a while longer after Sam was gone, till Maria had to return to the front desk. She told Riley she would be back to check on her in an hour or so. And then it was just Seth and Riley. She thought of the first day she met him. Through it all, she knew he didn't have a mean bone in his body.

He still held her hand in his, it calmed her down and warmed up her cold body. Now she knew why his skin was so warm. She coughed once, "So," she croaked out, her eyes widening a bit at the sound of her own strangled voice. "You're a dog."

Her friend cracked a sad grin at her; one end of Riley's mouth quirked up. "Only part time." He pointed out; she could see the laughter in his eyes. "How're you holding up?"

"Well," she winced as pain shot through her side. It hurt, but she decided to ignore the doctor's indirect orders for her not to talk, "not too great."

He would've been concerned if she'd said good. "They're not bad," he told her, "the Cullens. I like them."

"You like everybody, Seth."

He couldn't disagree with her. Seth tried to find the good in everyone he met, no matter what they were. "Why was he so mad?" She asked him.

Seth knew what she was talking about right away. He let out a breath, "The ravine marks the territory line between the Rez and the Cullens land. Two weeks ago, some other vamp showed up. She wants to kill Bella. Her name's Victoria." Seth tried his best to describe the situation, "She's run on our land twice so far, escaping both times. That's why we've been working more too. She had been at the ravine three days ago." Riley nodded, understanding instantly why the boys didn't want people in the woods. She couldn't think of anything else to say. She was scared to ask any more questions about any of it. Instead, she closed her eyes. Her head was throbbing again, the steady thud, thud, thud was extremely persistent. "Tired?" Riley nodded again. She felt Seth lean forward, she cracked an eye open. He was resting his chin on the edge of the bed, his hand still steady in her own.

"You look like Pip." She chuckled, the movement making her wince in pain.

"Well," Seth sat up again, "I am a dog."

A/N: Uh oh (sorry, not sorry) I also have almost no medical experience beside for horses so sorry if any of that was incorrect. I tried to keep it simple and googled a lot.