WE CAN ALL RUN CIRCLES AROUND YOUR SLOW ASS.

Emmett was actually kind of fucking nervous as he toed the line between the treaty line leading to reservation land. That Monday, opting to skip school, Frankie was bringing Emmett to meet the pack — well, most of the pack. Seth was in school, and Frankie told him he had to go because his education was important.

Of course, Seth pointed out how hypocritical it was, seeing as Frankie didn't consider her own education important.

Even if the treaty had been altered for him, it was still instilled in Emmett's brain that he was meant to stay away. So, it was proving difficult to actually get him to go meet the pack. Or her family, more accurately. Her family that hated him with every fiber of their beings already.

"Babe, it's so cute and adorable that you, like, want to respect my tribe's deep-rooted and valid hatred of you, but come on," Frankie said, pulling on Emmett's hand. Of course, she could really drag him along if she wanted to. "Emily is making chicken and waffles for a big breakfast and if there's none left, I will break up with you."

"I hate that you're probably serious about that," he grumbled. Then he let out a needless sigh and gave in, taking his first step across the border. "Let's get this over with."

"That's the spirit. I remember dreading walking into your house for the first time," she joked, leading him toward Sam and Emily's taking the shortcut through the woods. "Okay, so, don't talk to Paul or Jacob. Embry will probably warm up after Quil talks to you. Leah hates everyone, so don't take it so hard. Sam and Jared get it though since they've imprinted even though they aren't happy."

"Great, so this is gonna be a shit time," he grumbled. "Am I about to be torn to pieces?"

"Probably just uncomfortably ignored," she said with a shrug. "Then we can go back to your place after I've eaten. Emily is an even better cook than Esme, so I don't care how much you don't want to be here."

"Will this Emily like me at least? Since she's not a wolf?" he asked hopefully.

"You make me happy, so she'll be happy," Frankie said gently. "But just don't stare at her, okay? Or I'll kick your ass."

"You got nothing to worry about," Emmett promised. "I will be a perfect house guest right up until they kill me."

Frankie frowned and stopped to look at him. "Seriously, you're safe here, Em. I - I don't even know how to put into words how important you are to me. The pack with gripe and moan, but they aren't going to get in the way of this — of us. No one dies, right?"

Emmett smiled and nodded. "No one dies," he said before kissing her softly. Then he sighed needlessly. "Alright, let's meet the pack, Little Wolf."

"I am six feet tall," she said, rolling her eyes.

"And I'm still taller," he bragged, throwing his arm around her shoulder as they kept walking. Then he smirked and leaned down, whispering in her ear. "You seemed to like it last night."

"Emmett, you fucked me so hard that we broke the bed," she reminded him, her cheeks heating up from the memory. "You could've called me your good girl and I'd have rolled over."

"So, you're allowed to make dog jokes but I can't?" he asked, smirking at her.

She just rolled her eyes and elbowed him. "Yes, exactly."

☽︎

Frankie was suddenly nervous and wished Jasper and his ability to calm her down was nearby as she opened up the door of the house, knowing that the pack was waiting inside along with her father and Emily. Deep down, she knew their opinion of him didn't matter, as Emmett was her whole world now. But she'd certainly love for all the people she cared about to get along.

Whatever chatter that was going on ceased as soon as the hinges on the door squeaked, and all eyes turned to the doorway where Frankie and Emmett were standing. Emmett was staring a pack of wolves in the face, and he wasn't scared because they could hurt him — he was scared because he knew how important they were to Frankie.

Slowly, Frankie took in a deep breath and reached for Emmett's larger hand, intertwining their fingers. Then she took a step into the house, looking at all the stern faces until she found her best bet — Sam.

"Everyone, this is Emmett," she introduced, keeping her shoulders back and her tone firm. "My—"

"Pet vampire," Paul grumbled.

"My mate," she said in a hard voice, cutting her eyes to him. "Do you have a problem with that Paul?"

Emmett could feel the temperature of Frankie's hand grow warmer, and it was almost like an invisible force was emanating from her, going right for Paul, who caved underneath the weight of it. His shoulders sagged and he looked away.

"No," he mumbled. "Welcome to the pack, Cullen."

"Thank you for inviting me over," Emmett said, glancing at all the unfamiliar faces. "Frankie's told me so much about you."

"Yeah, you've got quite the reputation too," Embry said bitterly. "If you hurt her—"

"I won't," Emmett cut him off, his polite smile dropping into a serious expression. "Not ever again."

"Yeah, well, she'll kick your ass if you do," Raylan spoke up, crossing his arms. "Doesn't need one of us to do it."

Emmett nodded seriously. "I know she can kick my ass, Sir. She turns into a ten-foot-tall wolf that scared the shit out of my whole family last night."

"Right," Frankie said, clearing her throat. "Now that the threats are out of the way—"

Frankie began going around the room, pointing to each member of the pack. Some waved, but most either ignored Emmett or let out displeased grunts. "Paul, Embry, Quil, Leah, Jared, Sam, and Emily," she introduced. Jacob wasn't there, she noticed.

"It's nice to meet you all," Emmett said, still feeling out of place. "And I know that this isn't the most, uh, ideal situation for all of you, but honestly, I don't care if you hate me. Frankie is my mate, and maybe that's not the same thing as an imprint, but she's all that matters to me — that and getting her some waffles because that's all she's talked about all morning."

Emily was the one to laugh, a grin splitting her beautiful face. "I can help with that," she said, moving back to the kitchen where she was busy cooking. "And Emmett, don't let the boys scare you. As long as you don't take away from how much food they get, their cold shoulders will warm right up."

"Speak for yourself," Paul muttered before going to grab a piece of chicken that was in the bowl on the counter.

"Let me get a wing," Frankie said, knowing he wouldn't dare deny her food no matter how much he hated her imprint. Paul grabbed a piece of chicken and threw it her way, but before she could catch it, Emmett snatched it from her, smirking at the little huff she let out. "You're on thin ice, Cullen."

"Just testing those reflexes, Roman," he said teasingly before giving her the food. "Thought you wolves were supposed to be faster."

"Woah!" Jared exclaimed, letting out a low whistle. "We can all run circles around your slow ass!"

Emmett just scoffed and shook his head. "I'd like to see you try."

Quil leaned forward excitedly. "Wanna bet?"

☽︎

Emmett's ego was more than slightly bruised when Leah, Sam, and Jared all managed to beat him in a race — and Paul kept up right alongside him, which was annoying as hell. Frankie didn't participate in the race that was held in the woods just outside Sam's house.

So, the vampire could do nothing as the pack made fun of him. And Frankie wouldn't even defend him, too busy drowning her waffles in syrup to do so. Even Raylan got a few jabs in before leaving to work the lunch shift at the diner.

"Guess you're not getting enough protein on that Bambi diet," Embry said, making Frankie snicker.

"Oh, I don't hunt cute little Bambies," Emmett said, growing a smirk. "I stick to the bears... and the wolves."

"Jesus, babe," Frankie muttered, trying to keep from smiling as the pack. "You have to wait until they like you to make jokes like that."

"Nah, it's fine," Paul said, grabbing another piece of chicken. "Grandpa couldn't catch us even if he wanted to eat us."

"Seriously, you're dating a decrepit Dracula, Frank," Embry said, shaking his head.

"Hey, I'm the youngest!" he insisted. "Edward's the ancient one. That's why he's so depressing and broody all the time."

"God, you sound like Jacob now," Quil said, knowing how much he complained about Edward Cullen. They were kind of fucking sick of hearing about Bella and Edward.

"Where is he, by the way?" Frankie asked, grabbing another piece of chicken as well.

"Went to warn the Cullens not to come on our land again," Embry answered. "Which was dumb because he knew Emmett was coming on our land again."

"So, translation, he wanted to see Bella," she said, snickering. "He's getting a little pathetic."

"A little?" Leah asked with a scoff. She'd been fairly silent and stayed on the couch the whole time.

"Oh, hey, didn't Frankie tell me your brother is in the pack too?" Emmett asked, paying attention to the other girl. "Where's he?"

"Seth's at school," Frankie told him. "He wanted to come, but I wouldn't let him. Besides, I didn't these assholes influencing his first impression of you."

"Like he could hate anything you love," Sam said with a knowing look as he passed by Emily and kissed her cheek.

"You guys close?" Emmett asked Frankie. He hadn't had the time to hear about Seth since they'd only been reunited in a day.

Though those in the pack knew it wasn't a romantic connection, they still eyed Emmett, wondering how he'd react to the news. If he didn't respect Seth's imprint bond for what it was, it would mean trouble.

"Seth imprinted on me after he changed," Frankie told Emmett. "He's going to be with me for the rest of my, so it's pretty important to me that you get along."

"How does that work?" he asked with a frown. "You imprinting on me and him on you?"

"It doesn't have to be romantic, Em," she explained. "Like I said, I was already in love with you before. But Seth is closer than a brother — than just a pack member. It's like our souls are connected. So, I'm not putting up with any weird, territorial bullshit from you if you wanna act jealous of a fifteen-year-old dork."

Leah looked at Frankie and shook her head, the corners of her mouth turning up. "The dork would break into tears if he heard you call him a dork."

Frankie rolled her eyes playfully and looked back at Emmett. "Just consider him Mike Jr."

"You got it," Emmett said, kissing the top of her head. "And I can't wait to meet him."

"I smell Jacob," Embry then said, sitting straighter.

Emmett sniffed the air and frowned. "And I smell Bella," he said, confused as she should've been at school with his brother. "Edward's gonna be pissed."

"Let's go," Frankie said, grabbing her chicken as they began to head outside to greet them.

Jared let out a little yip as he fought with Paul, Embry, and Quil to get through the front door first, all still shoving food down their throats. Frankie followed a moment later, never taking her hand out of Emmett's.

"Look who's back," Embry said, smiling at Bella.

Quil grinned brightly, happy to see her again. "Whatup, Bella?"

"Quil, you too?" she asked, glad to see he'd finally shifted. His months without Embry and Jacob had been so lonely and she worried about the boy,

"Yep. Finally made the pack," he boasted. "I'm glad you're here, Bella. Maybe we can get a break from Jake's obsessive inner monologue."

Then Paul began mocking Jacob, who was blushing. "I wish Bella would call."

"I wish Bella wouldn't call," Jared laughed.

"Maybe I should call Bella," Jared whined.

Quil jumped in as well with, "Maybe I should call Bella and hang up."

"Alright, you can shut up now," Jacob muttered as his friends and Bella laughed.

"Leave the poor boy alone," Frankie said, shoving Paul. "Who wouldn't be obsessed with someone as perfect as Bella."

"Hey, Frank," Bella greeted with a small smile. But then her eyes widened, finally noticing Emmett's presence. "Um... have I missed something, like, really huge?"

"Really huge," Emmett told her without actually explaining. Imprinting was sacred to the wolves, so he was in no place to tell Bella about it.

Then Leah stormed out of the house, angered by Bella's arrival because it just meant Jacob would be depressed for several days once she inevitably left again. The scowl on her face deepened at the sight of the human girl.

"Bella, this is Leah Clearwater. Harry's daughter," Frankie introduced. "She's really great."

Bella looked at Leah apologetically, remembering how recently her father passed. "Hey. I'm really sorry about your father."

"If you're here to torture Jacob some more, feel free to leave," she snapped before taking off.

"Fun, isn't she?" Jacob muttered.

Frankie glared at him. "Shut the fuck up about Leah, Jake," she said, it more of an order than a comment.

"Bella," Emily said, finally coming outside. She happily hugged her. "Hey, I was wondering when we'd see your face around here again."

"Yeah, same here."

Jacob nodded to Sam, checking in since he was the last to patrol. "Sam, we're good?"

"We're good. She won't be getting through our line anytime soon," he assured him.

"And if she does, Frank's gonna kick her ass," Emmett said with a smirk.

"Yeah, right," Frankie scoffed. "It's starting to feel like we'll never get her with that stupid escaping power shit she has going on."

"Even she has her limits," he told her. "Whether it's you guys or us, she's gonna burn."

Jared nodded to him, finishing off his eleventh piece of chicken. "I like the way you think."

☽︎

The day for uncomfortable confrontations wasn't over as Emmett and Frankie left the reservation. Now, Frankie had to speak to the Cullens, who'd hurt her just as much as Emmett had when they lied and left without any kind of explanation.

Everyone, Edward included since Bella was still with Jacob, sat around Frankie in the living room while she stood against the wall with Emmett, looking at them all, taking in their golden eyes that assured her they hadn't been eating humans.

"We aren't going to harm anyone," Edward told her, having read her mind.

"Right then, Mr. Telepathetic," she said, making Jasper and Emmett snicker at the nickname. "How many of you have eaten a person?" The room fell silent, and Jasper's happy mood disappeared in an instant. "I'm not gonna shift and rip your throats out, but I need to know. Emmett's my number one priority, but protecting this land is just as important, so I deserve to know the truth."

After a moment, Jasper stood and nodded to her, a grim expression on his face. Alice was the next to raise her hand.

"The truth is," Edward spoke up, "all but Rosalie and Carlisle have strayed from this lifestyle at one point or another. We've all made mistakes, Frankie. And we understand if that's not something that you can accept."

She couldn't help but picture each of them tearing into some innocent human, even Esme, covered in blood with red eyes and a feral expression. It made her sick to her stomach, but she had to push the feeling back.

"But you're not like that anymore," Frankie said, taking in a deep breath. "I cared about you all before you left and I still do now. Just try not to fuck up."

"Because you'd have to kill us?" Rosalie asked, knowing the answer.

"And none of you could stop me," she said, making sure the threat was evident. "I know what I'm capable of now, Rose."

"Well, then we'll just go everywhere with Emmett as a human shield," Alice joked, lightening the mood a bit.

Frankie smirked at the much smaller girl. "Yeah, that might work."

"Speaking of capabilities," Carlisle said, coming a bit closer. "I must admit I've been quite curious about what makes La Bête so different from the rest of your pack."

Frankie turned to the leader of the coven, her eyes beginning to glow the same red that they were when she was in her wolf form. Before their very eyes, it was like all the light in the room was sucked away, darkness emanating from Frankie herself. Carlisle took in a needless breath, beginning to shake. Then he fell to his knees, reminding them all of Paul the night he nearly fought Emmett.

The moment was over a few seconds later, and Carlisle felt like he was no longer suffocating. He stayed on his knees though, looking up at Frankie with wonder.

"I have the same... sway over vampires that an alpha has over the pack. It takes some effort, but doable as you felt," she explained as he finally stood up. "It's why my blood smells so inviting to you. I'm meant to draw cold ones in so that I can kill them without much of a fight — not that I'd lose a fight."

"You are so awesome," Emmett breathed out while wrapping his arms around her. She smiled and leaned back into his chest.

"It is remarkable," Carlisle noted, still feeling the lingering effects. Even now, his instincts told him to get closer to Frankie and do whatever she asked of him.

"I'm sure both you and us have more questions for each other," Esme said. "Want me to make you some lunch before diving in, dear?"

"Oh, hell yeah."

☽︎

When Edward left the house to go find Bella, who had been at the reservation all day, Frankie didn't expect for him to return so soon and with Bella in tow. But then he explained that there was another vampire's scent all over her bedroom, so Emmett, Jasper, and Frankie all went to follow it.

Unfortunately, it wasn't Victoria and the scent disappeared when the intruder jumped into the ocean to flee. It put Frankie in a bad mood as they reconvened back at the house.

"His scent disappeared about five miles south of Bella's house," Jasper said as soon as they joined the others in the living room.

"Both our dads were there when he came by," Frankie said, sharing a worried look with Bella. "But he didn't touch them. It makes no sense."

"Someone's orchestrating this," Edward realized.

"Victoria?" Carlisle suggested.

Alice shook her head. "I would've seen her deciding."

"Are you sure?" Frankie asked, looking to her. "I mean, I know there are gaps in your visions from the way it sounds. Just like you can't see me and my pack."

"No, it's not her," Alice said, not doubting her visions.

"Then it has to be the Volturi," Edward assumed.

"I don't think it's the Volturi either," Alice denied. "I've been watching Aro's decisions, too."

"Well, is this Aro the only one allowed to make the decisions?" Frankie asked, still wary about how accurate Alice's ability was. She just couldn't trust it yet.

"He would be the one making the calls," she said, not doubting that.

"But how can you know—"

"So we keep looking," Emmett said, cutting her off and grabbing Frankie's hand. Touching him helped calm her down. The house wouldn't survive her getting annoyed and shifting.

"We also take shifts guarding Bella at her house," Carlisle told the others.

Rosalie couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Another protection detail?" When had her life become centered around Bella?

"Rosalie," Esme said in a firm tone.

"No, she's right," Bella said, shaking her head. "You can't protect me, watch my dad, and search for the intruder. And for Victoria. And keep yourselves fed."

"I'm not leaving you here defenseless," Edward said, getting more frustrated.

"Well, I'm not gonna let you starve," she shot back.

"And she won't be unprotected," Frankie said, looking at him pointedly. Edward grimaced, already hating the idea. "As long as Bella is human, she's under our protection. We'll take shifts — you'll have time to hunt and the boys still in school will be able to go during the day."

"We don't need—"

"Yes," Frankie cut him off in a hard tone. "You do need us, actually."

☽︎

It wasn't an easy alliance by any means — not even Frankie could spin it in a good way. But Bella and Charlie were protected, which was most important. Both the pack and coven guarded in shifts of two people at a time, swapping out at night so that the Cullens could hunt.

It was odd for Bella to look out her window and always see someone familiar. She watched as a rain-soaked Emmett and Alice were relieved by one smaller wolf and one that was unmistakable Frankie. Before leaving, Emmett ran his hands through Frankie's fur and kissed her side, the gentle show of affection at least giving Bella some hope that things would work out one day between the sides.

Because of the temporary ceasefire between the two sides, Bella was permitted to go to the reservation and see the pack more. It pissed Frankie off to no end that Bella felt like she had to have his permission. Even before Frankie knew about vampires and werewolves, Emmett never complained when she spent time with her friends on the reservation.

He didn't even protest when she sweetly asked him to come to the council meeting. Kim and Emily had all attended one at one point to start learning the tribe's histories, so Emmett was expected to as well.

Now, Frankie was leading Emmett by his hand to Billy's backyard where a bonfire was going. Sam was grilling burgers and hotdogs for everyone as well.

"Do I look okay?" Emmett whispered, not sure how formal a council meeting was. Of course, most everyone, Frankie included was in flannel shirts and shorts.

"You looked like you always do," she replied. "Like Alice picks your clothes out in the morning and lays them out for you."

"She does do that," he said matter-of-factly, knowing it was easier than arguing with Alice.

"Frankie!" Seth shouted, seeing his imprint. In a second, he was up and running over to her and the vampire, a wide grin on his face. "You made it!"

"'Couldn't miss it even if I wanted to," she said, hugging him. Then she pulled back and stood by Seth, facing Emmett. "Seth Clearwater, meet Emmett Cullen."

"Hey, it's great to meet you," Emmett said, smiling at him. "Frankie's told me a lot of cool things about you."

"It's awesome to meet you too," Seth beamed. "I know you don't eat, but Frank, I grabbed you some hot dogs before Jared could eat them all. And I saved you both seats by me and Mom."

"Oh, I'd push someone out of the way if they took my spot by you," Frankie said, nudging him.

"Emmett, this is my first time hearing the legend too," Seth told him while they walked to where the others were gathered. "It's gonna be so cool."

"I think uncomfortable is the more accurate word," Paul said under his breath, which they all heard. After all, their legends were centered around defeating cold ones.

"Leave him alone, Paul," Seth said, defending Frankie's imprint.

"Yeah," Frankie smirked, happy to have the youngest wolf on her side. "Leave him alone, Paul."

Seth was as happy as he could be, sitting on a log between Emmett and Frankie, throwing down burgers and laughing with Embry and Quil. It didn't matter to him that Frankie imprinted on a vampire and not him. She was so happy around Emmett that it radiated from her, making his mood just as light.

Frankie was thankful Seth and Emmett got along, talking about different video games. He even told Seth he could come over to the house with his mother's permission and check out the endless collection he had. The trio were discussing plans for a Smash Bros. tournament when Frankie's father arrived, the last of the elders to do so. Now, they were just waiting on Jacob and Bella.

Raylan grumbled unhappily when he saw Emmett, having forgotten he was invited to the meeting. He just grabbed a burger and sat across from his daughter, looking at her through the fire. "I hate your boyfriend."

"Too bad," Frankie shrugged. "Your boyfriend thinks he's a delight." Several of the pack members snickered as Raylan rolled his eyes.

"Hi, Mr. Roman," Emmett greeted politely, knowing he wasn't ever going to get anywhere with the man. "Wonderful to see you again."

"Don't lie to him, babe," Frankie said, shaking her head. "How is the boyfriend, by the way?"

"Charlie's good," he said with a smile. "Don't know how the hell he hasn't noticed the giant wolves outside his window every night. He's as oblivious as you were about the damn vampires."

Frankie narrowed her eyes at him, still not totally over him lying to her about what she was and what Emmett and his family were. "I'm just good at minding my own business," she told him, refusing to feel stupid any longer about not finding out on her own.

It wasn't long before Bella and Jacob finally arrived at the meeting, meaning they could get started. Bella smiled when she saw Frankie and came to sit on the girl's other side. Jacob sat on the ground and leaned his back against the log they were all perched on, making sure to sit on the opposite side of Emmett.

Before Billy began talking, Bella took a glance at Frankie and Emmett, thinking they looked like a little family with Set leaning against Frankie and Emmett's arm stretched out so it was around Frankie's shoulder, both wanting to have physical contact with her.

"The Quileutes have been a small tribe from the beginning, but we have always had magic in our blood," Billy began. Both Seth and Quil gave him all their attention while Leah stared somberly into the fire. Frankie kept her eyes on Emmett, assessing his every reaction. "We were great Spirit Warriors — shapeshifters that transform into the powerful wolf, the Mekko being the most powerful of them all. This enabled us to scare off our enemies and protect our tribe."

"One day, our warriors came across a creature," he went on, eyes falling on Emmett. "It looked like a man, but it was hard like stone and cold as ice. A vampire. Our warriors' sharp teeth finally tore it apart, but only fire would completely destroy it."

Frankie reached up and held Emmett's hand comfortingly, brushing her thumb over his knuckles.

"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, La Bête, was killed."

Emmett tensed up, having convinced himself that Frankie was indestructible — unkillable. He'd never thought of her getting hurt. Killed. He tightened his grip on her hand, listening intently.

"But Taha Aki was slow and weak in his old age," Billy continued. "Taha Aki's Third Wife could see that he would lose. Knowing the power that her blood had over the Cold Woman, she sacrificed herself, falling upon her own blade. The Third Wife was no magical being, no special powers, but one — courage."

"The Third Wife's sacrifice distracted the Cold Woman long enough for Taha Aki to destroy her. She saved the tribe when even the great Beast could not," Billy said, looking to Frankie. She needed reminding that she wasn't invincible no matter how strong she was. "Over time, our enemies have disappeared. But one remains... The Cold Ones."

Frankie turned her head and placed a kiss to Emmett's wrist, knowing nearly everyone around the fire was looking at him. Even Bella was conflicted, never having considered what it was like from the wolves' point of view.

None of them would've been forced to shift if the Cullens never came to Forks. If Carlisle hadn't kept moving the family back, young kids wouldn't be forced to put their lives on hold and on the line. Frankie could've gone to college. Leah and Sam would've gotten married. Jacob wouldn't hate Bella for who she loved.

"Our magic awakens when they near. And we sense it now, we feel the threat in our blood. Something terrible is coming. And we must all be ready," Billy finished, looking to Emmett, who nodded somberly. "All of us."

☽︎

"Jesus Christ, Mike, did you go insane?" Frankie asked as soon as she stepped into the boy's room alongside Jessica. They were all meant to go out to breakfast before class, but the state of Mike's bedroom had them both stopping in their tracks.

A rolling board was pushed against his wall with countless pictures and notes tacked to it. And red string was connecting various things like he was weaving a web of conspiracy with it. Frankie could see photos of Emmett and Edward, herself and Paul, even Bella. And various words were written in red — Cullens, werewolves, weird eyes, not adopted, cold, anti-social.

"Mike, what the hell?" Jessica asked, raising an eyebrow. He was sitting at his desk, his blonde hair a mess as he'd been up all night.

"The Cullens are not normal," Mike said, jumping up.

"Yeah, and Frankie's a dog," Jess said, raising an eyebrow. "Of course, they aren't normal. Everyone has known since they moved here that they're not normal."

"Mike," Frankie said carefully. "Maybe you should just leave it be."

"No, I figured it out!" he exclaimed. "They're witches."

Frankie couldn't help but laugh her head off, wishing that were the truth. God, her life might be a little less complicated. Mike's eager grin fell, knowing Frankie well enough to see he was wrong based on her reaction.

"Well, they're something!" he insisted.

"Yeah, I don't need more creatures of the night in my life," Jessica said. "Frankie is plenty. Honestly, we just need to stay out of it. I mean, you did almost get mauled that one time."

Truthfully, Jessica noticed more than she let on. Come on, she was the smartest girl in their grade — smarter than Bella. If she really wanted to, she could figure out what was wrong with the Cullens, but Frankie told her looking into it could put her in danger and Jessica was so not for putting her life on the line.

"But she overpowered the urge because she knows I'm her best friend even when in dog form—"

"Can we stop calling me a dog?" Frankie asked, raising her hand.

"Can you tell me what's up with the Cullens?" he asked, stepping closer.

Frankie sighed and shared a look with Jessica before grabbing him by the shoulders. "Mike, just don't worry about it. You'll never see them again aside from Emmett after graduation."

"But I have to know."

"No," she shook her head, "you don't. Trust me, you're safer if you don't know."

"Maybe, but I'm gonna find out," he said determinedly.

Frankie threw her arms up, giving up on trying to stop him. "Fine, be my guest. So long as you're still paying for my pancakes."