Simon sat amongst the Cullens, trying his best not to let his emotions show. He remained silent with his jaw clenched shut, keeping his gaze down toward the floor. He was frustrated, worried, and even a bit disappointed.

When he had gone to pick up Bella for their date, he found her no longer there. Charlie had said that there was an emergency and that Edward took her with him to his house. As Charlie talked, he had smelt the foreign scent that lingered in the air. He had made an excuse, saying that he had left a book in Bella's room. Charlie let him in without complaint, and as Simon approached her room, he realized the scent was everywhere.

He remembered how he fled from the house, his mind jumping from one conclusion to another. His hands had shook as he gripped onto the wheel, his body taut the whole ride.

He was upset because no one had thought to inform him about it. He was a bit disappointed, too, because Bella had forgotten that they were supposed to be together that night. Her disappearance sent his mind into panic. Before he had gotten to the Cullen residence, he had been so overcome with his emotions that all he could say was her name.

Now, though, he kept his mouth shut. As much as he wanted to express his concern, he wouldn't be able to bring up that topic anytime soon.

He watched as Jasper and Emmett reappeared in the house. Jasper's gaze snapped over to him, and he felt his stomach drop deep. He looked back toward the ground as he tried his best to smother himself, trying not to overwhelm the blond male more than his emotions already were.

"This stranger, I didn't recognize his scent," Edward said as he looked at Carlisle.

"A nomad passing through?" Esme questioned, only for the idea to be shot down by Rosalie.

"A passerby wouldn't have left Bella's father alive."

"The scent disappeared about five miles south of Bella's house," Jasper cut in as his gaze left Simon for a few seconds, "The trail went cold."

"Could it be Victoria, Simon?" Bella asked, her eyes landing on Simon's taut body.

Before he could voice his thoughts, Alice was already speaking over him.

"No," She said, "I would have seen her decide. I don't think it's the Volturi, either. I've been watching Aro's decisions, too. Especially with how horribly that trip went."

Jasper moved over to sit next to Simon. The second Jasper's shoulder brushed against his, he felt his emotions start to fade. He had never liked the feeling of Jasper's empathy affecting his body and mind, but he knew that his emotional state wouldn't help improve the situation right now.

"We'll take shifts guarding Bella at her house while we keep looking," Carlisle spoke up.

"Another protection detail?" Rosalie scoffed, and Bella spoke up before Carlisle could chide her.

"No, she's right. You can't protect me, watch my dad, and search for the intruder–"

"–And for Victoria–"

"–And keep yourselves fed," Bella added on again.

"I'm not leaving you here defenseless," Edward spoke, clearly not liking the way this conversation was going.

"Well, I'm not going to let you starve. And I wouldn't be unprotected, I have..."

"She has me," Simon finally spoke up as he looked at Edward. "And I might know someone who could help us. You're just not going to like it."

***

"Whoever they were, they definitely left their stink behind. It'll be hard to miss it when we Cross it again. We can handle it from here." Leah said as she walked back out of the house with Simon. She stopped a few feet away from Bella and Edward, crossing her arms over her chest. Simon stopped next to her, knowing that she wasn't very comfortable around the other two.

"We don't need you to handle anything, dog," Edward spoke, shooting the wolf a small glare.

"I could care less what you need," Leah fired back, raising an eyebrow at Edward's hostile words.

"All right, we're done here," Edward spoke up as he rolled his eyes, taking Bella's hand as he started to walk away.

Simon grabbed Edward's wrist, pulling him back before he could get too far. His tone was firm as he spoke, his black eyes holding the unspoken threat as he held Edward's gaze.

"You need to get your head out of your ass and behave yourself. She's trying to help. I asked her to, so if you have a problem with it, your problem is with me. Leave her out of it, or so help me God."

He spun away as he dropped Edward's wrist, leaving with Leah to walk her home. He stuck close to her side, ignoring Edward as he called after them.

"You didn't have to do that for me, you know. It's not like I haven't dealt with that before..." She paused for a moment, taking his hand in hers. She briefly squeezed it before letting go as she looked back up at him. "You're shaking. Are you okay?"

"You're my friend, Leah. I don't care if he's, technically, my boyfriend. I'm not going to let him, or anyone, talk to my friends like that. So, no, I'm not okay. You shouldn't have to deal with shit like that."

"It's normal, Simon," She said with a sigh, "I'm us–"

"–You're used to it? Is that supposed to make me feel better? It's sickening, Leah! You shouldn't have to deal with it. Period."

Leah stayed quiet as they walked, briefly knocking her shoulder against his. As they crossed the treaty line, Simon found that he didn't care. He wasn't in the treaty to begin with, and it's not like he'd feed on anyone. They walked close to each other, only separating as they approached Leah's house. She stopped them on the porch.

"There's a council meeting tomorrow night. It's going to be Seth and I's first time hearing the legends since we shifted. Outsiders aren't usually allowed to be there, let alone vampires, but I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?"

"I doubt the elders would be okay with that," He said as he watched her, "But if Sue doesn't mind, I can come by if you still want to hang out for a little while."

"Alright," Leah said with a grin as she approached the door, "Sounds like a plan. Bye, Simon."

***

Simon walked into his apartment, a small smile still on his face. Walking with Leah had calmed his mind, and he enjoyed their small talk more than he thought he would. If it weren't for the distinct smell, he was sure he would have forgotten she was a wolf. Their words had flowed easily, despite their natural aversion to one another.

Simon loved the friends he and Bella shared, but he found it nice to have someone else to talk to. With Leah, there was trust in their bizarre bond. They knew that if their friends and family knew of their friendship, that they were bound to get warned about one another. But to them, that didn't matter. When they were together, it was like they were two teenagers just talking about the most random things they could think of. It wasn't about vampire vs wolf, it was just about vulnerability. They felt safe, and they had met a mutual understanding. Whatever happened between them, it stayed between them. It was their little secret.

He liked it. A lot. Their friendship was refreshing.

He moved silently through his flat, making his way to his bedroom. There was really no point for him to be there, but he wanted to unwind a bit more before he made his way back to the Cullens. He wasn't sure why, but he was still frustrated about the whole situation.

His back was pinned against the wall the second he entered his room. A snarl ripped from his throat, only to be cut short as Edward's cold lips trailed down his neck.

"I'm sorry," Edward murmured as he kissed Simon's jawline, "She makes me jealous. She wouldn't keep her thoughts to herself. You're mine, Simon. You belong to Bella and me. God, you even smell like her."

Despite his resentment for Edward, Simon found his body relaxing as the taller male continued to attack his neck. His hand slid into Edward's short hair, gripping onto it. A shiver ran down his spine at Edward's words. Mine. He liked the sound of that.

"Who am I?" He asked quietly, not believing what he just heard. He gripped tighter onto Edward's hair, pulling him away from his neck. He gazed into Edward's golden eyes as he spoke louder. "I want to hear you say it again. Who do I belong to?"

"You're mine," He growled, "Maybe I need to reteach you that."

Before Simon could speak, Edward's hands were already gripping onto his slim waist. He was tossed onto the bed in one fluid motion, and he was glad he could no longer blush.

In the morning, Simon knew he would have to apologize to his neighbors for the noise.