Chapter 1

I started into the sun setting over the ocean, I can't believe after all this time, I came back here. And why? My god, why? I thought.

"Momma?" a tiny voice called above the crashing waves. That's why.

I turned to face that voice, my 5 year old daughter- her waist length jet-black hair blew gently in the wind, while her jade eyes gleamed with excitement as she played in the water. Those traits she inherited from me, her high cheekbones and tan skin she got from her father. I wondered when they'd meet.

"Layla honey, you're gonna get your clothes all wet." I gently scolded her as I scooped her up into my arms.

"Momma, why are you so sad?" Layla asked touching my cheeks.

I hugged her close. "Momma's fine baby." I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of salt water, and woods. It was peaceful here. Just as I remembered it. I opened my eyes to see a tall, muscular figure strolling out of the woods towards me. On instinct I pulled Layla closer to me.

"Momma! Put me down. I wanna play." She cried.

I ignored her protests and turned away from the stranger.

"Jacey! Jace wait!" A very familiar voice called a voice I had not heard since I left La Push 5 years ago. I turned toward the voice, it was the boy-or should I call him a man because that's what he resembled more. I placed Layla back in the sand and whispered "Now, stay here baby please, just for a little bit." Then walked toward the stranger.

"Jake? Jacob Black? Is that you?" I asked tucking my shoulder length hair behind my ears.

"Yes" He nodded. Now that I was closer I could see that it was Jake under all that tanned muscle, I could see the Jake I knew back when we were 15, back before everything happened. Suddenly Jake grabbed me and pulled me into a bone crushing hug, I couldn't breathe.

"J-Jake, I can't br-br-breathe!" I managed to gasp while pushing him away.

'Why didn't you tell me you were coming back!" Jake said accusingly releasing all of me except my hand.

"I didn't know I was until recently." I replied while massaging my arm, "Geez, when did you get so strong, and hot?" My hand that was still in his was oddly warm, despite the dropping weather, and the wind.

"About two years after you left." Jake smiled, glancing into the woods.

"Momma, are you okay? Layla asked appearing between my legs.

"I'm fine." I said my voice cracking. I glanced up at Jake (for he towered over my 5'4" figure) did he hear? Did he see who she resembled?

"Jacey, Jace… is she…Paul's?" Jake asked, his eyes wide, stuffing his hands uncertainly in the pockets of his sweatpants.