Chapter 7

• "Well, I guess we can cut it down a little. We can wait on reviewing Nanna's family," she responds with a small laugh.
• "Please," I reply, grateful that she seems to be able to read me so well already.
• "How about I just focus on the main people, and those who are pretty close to us in age from each family? Most likely those are the ones you'll meet."
• I nod affirmatively.
• "So, our pack's Alpha is Carlisle Cullen. He's the leader of the pack and has been for about twenty years or so. Usually the pack's Alpha will come from one of the two original families: The Swans or Cullens. They'll often alternate, but the last Swan Alpha was our great grandfather Thomas Swan, Pop's father," she pauses. "Anyway, Carlisle is married to Esme, who is our second cousin once removed. They have three children. Rosalie, whom you've met, Alice and Edward."
• My ears spike slightly in recognition.
• "Alice is the one who works as a nurse at Forks General?" I ask.
• Leah nods, continuing.
• "So, those from the Swan family who are about our age, but aren't very close to you familywise, but who you should still know about are Jessica, Jeff and Sam and Paul. The Whitlocks are a smaller family, but there are a few around our age that I should probably mention, so I will focus on those. Jasper and Lauren are siblings and their cousins' names are Emily and Elise. There are a few others, but we'll skip them for now. The McCarty's are a big, loud bunch with Irish genes. Seamus and Ciara have three sons around our age called Emmett, Michael and Eric. Then there's Amber and her husband Alexander who have four children: Angus, Angela, Amanda and Alex Jr. The final member of the McCarty family that I would like to mention is Vanessa, who is Joseph and Mary's only daughter. We have another Irish family that joined our Pack a few years ago as well, the O'Connors, but they are just one small family. Siobahn and Liam have a daughter called Victoria that is a few years older than us, and a son called Victor. The rogues you should know about are James and Laurent. They joined about three months ago, but kind of keep to themselves. They're a few years older than us. Other than that we have Maria, Tyler, Margret and Bree that are all around our age or a little older. The rest of the members in the Pack are either quite a bit younger or older than us."
• "Goodness," I say with a laugh.
• "Does everyone in Forks belong to the pack?"
• Leah stills, a serious expression on her face.
• "No, but we do account for the majority."
• She still has an ominous look on her face and I really don't know what she means by her answer.
• "I'm sorry. I've never met another wolf other than my Dad and now suddenly, I'm surrounded. I'm just wrapping my head around it," I explain.
• "You've never met another wolf pack?" Leah asks bewildered.
• I confirm her question with a short shake of my head.
• "How did you handle the phasing?" she asks carefully, shock still evident in her voice.
• "It scared the hell out of me, but my father was prepared. He took me out to this small cabin as far away from the population as possible for about a month. I was in agony for a week, half-phasing, feeling every bone in my body break. It scared the hell out of me. I thought I was going to die. Then there was the "brain-sharing" with a wolf and the fight for control. I thought I had gone completely mad."
• We share a silence. Both of us reminiscing in the familiarity of the pain involving the first phasing and the issues of having a wolf's presence constantly in your brain.
• "Unfortunately, that's something you just have to go through. It doesn't get any better, no matter how long you have to prepare for it. My first phasing was a nightmare as well."
• Her words give me some comfort.
• "Hey, you guys ready for a run?"
• Rose's raspy voice asks from the doorway.
• "We still have a few hours before the bonfire, but Nanna says she doesn't need any extra help. She asked if we wanted to show Bella around. What do you say, Bells? Ready to unleash your wolf for a good run?" she continues.
• Leah stands up, holding out her hand to help me to my feet.
• "I have to warn you, my wolf is fast," she says with a teasing smile. I smile back in return, excitement filling my bones. My wolf is pacing, ready to be released. This is going to be fun.
• "Oh, I'm ready, Cuz."
• The run feels amazing. My wolf is so happy to be out and around other wolves. She plays and goofs around, carefree and content for the first time ever. I've always noticed a playful side of her, but this is the first time she's had enough space and safety to let this side loose. I keep my control on her through, as usual.
• Leah's brindle-colored wolf is stunning and strong. She didn't lie when she said she was fast. I've never seen a wolf run as fast as she does. My poor wolf never stood a chance. Although she definitely tried her very best. Rose's wolf is exquisite. Her fur is a golden, sand color, her body is lean, yet powerful. She is the most beautiful wolf I've ever seen. Both Leah's and Rose's wolves are significantly larger and stronger than my wolf, much like my father. My poor wolf is skinny and small in comparison to them, but she is cute with her pale white fur and playful attitude. I can't help but feel slightly inferior, though, and I wonder if there is something wrong with my wolf?