"I didn't do it."

　　"Isabella we know you did, now tell the truth or face jail time!" She stands up and pretends to act serious, even though I know she is holding back giggles.

　　"Detective, I didn't steal the cookies, but I know who did," I give her a stern look and her cheeks flush pink.

　　"You do?"

　　I nod and her face begins to show her nerves. "You stole them."

　　She shakes her head, no.

　　"I know you did, so you might as well confess." I shrug and stand up from the carpet. "You hungry? I can heat up dinner?"

　　"Yeah, when will mom be home?" She follows me into the kitchen before climbing and sitting down on one of the stools. "And don't tell her I ate the cookies."

　　I smile while shaking my head. "Fine, and she'll be back at ten so after dinner get your PJs on. Maybe we can watch a little T.V."

　　My little sister nods frantically. "Thanks, Isabella, you're fun."

　　I chuckle and pull her favorite plate from the cabinet, "thanks." After she eats up and runs to her bedroom to change, I clean up the dishes and lean on the counter. Checking the clock I see it is already nine. Kendra is a good kid, staying up a little later won't hurt anybody. It is not like our mother will be bothered by it. When she comes trotting down the steps I immediately change my attitude— acting joyful for her. "You ready for T.V.?"

　　Together we cuddle up in the living room and I turn on the T.V. Some random kids show comes on and I leave it on for Kendra, knowing it's something she'll be interested in. Even though she is my younger sister sometimes she feels like my daughter. Our mother is not around too much, she is constantly busy with pack duties. As the Betas second-hand-woman, she is quite occupied all of the time. I used to mind, but I have grown used to it. I can't imagine how busy Beta Jack is with the Alpha, so I'm thankful.

　　Ripping me from my thoughts, a sudden crashing notice comes from the front of the house. My mother appears in the hallway, breathing heavy. Quickly I stand up in front of Kendra. "What's going on?"

　　"There's no time, we're being attacked. Just take Kendra to the safe house now!" She yells and before I pass her with Kendra in my grasp, she stops me. "Hurry, I'll get there as soon as possible."

　　My heart races in my chest as if it will stop and no longer function. Kendra's voice is poking at the back of my head, but I cannot focus on her, I have to focus on getting to the safe house. Through the trees, northeast, quarter of a mile maybe. My lips run dry.

　　The harsh weather curses at me for not grabbing Kendra a jacket, she's probably freezing like I am. "Isabella stop!" She shouts and my feet halt.

　　I search around us, paranoid. "What is it?" My voice sounds rushed. I can't think.

　　"Will you tell me what's going on! We're under attack?" She begins to shake. "Why? By who?"

　　"There's not enough time for this," I mutter and lead her through the trees. In the distance, I can hear shouting, and it only makes my heart beat faster. If anything happens let it be to me, please let Kendra live. I may sound dramatic, but in this moment how can I not be? All I can think about in her getting hurt. After a few minutes of rushing through the forest, I begin to panic even more, where is the safe house? I thought it was closer. Sudden notices hit my ears and I stop in my tracks. People are close. Looking down at Kendra I say, "we have to hurry, the safe house should be near."

　　"Isabella, I'm scared." Her grip tightens on my hand and I notice tears gathering in her soft, delicate eyes.

　　"I know, don't be, we're gonna be okay."

　　My heart moves at an abnormal pace and I ignore it as we weave through the trees. The moon lights up the night sky, bringing hints of brightness to the silky abyss above. I have never liked the forest at night. My hands clam up and I lose control of my senses. Confusion seeps through my mind. "We're okay, we're okay, we're okay," I mumble over and over, no longer talking to Kendra, but myself.

　　My nose tingles overwhelmed with nothing, and this all begins to feel like a dream.

　　"Isabella..."

　　"Isabella..."

　　My mind drifts and the forest around me begins to cause an ache in my head. Everything is overwhelming in an unreal way, and I do not understand it in any way.

　　"Isabella!"