This was written in honor of a good friend of mine's birthday! (March 9) Her name is Dani Kristine, if you've got Twitter follow her DaniKOnline. And if you'd like to follow this author, it's TeenyBossyBoots. Happy reading! :D

Chapter 1

Jake had been gone for nearly all summer. To say he was angry was an understatement. He was angry at the stupid thorny bush his wolf form just stepped over. (Great, he thought, now there was a wide gash across his left front paw. It healed quickly but it stung as fuck in the mean time, dammit!) Once the discomfort was gone he started back up and trotted down the path like he had been doing for the past week. He ambled across the high grasses and thought once again about his anger. He was angry at Sam for calling him whenever he was in wolf form, angry at Seth for whining about him too; Since he was always in his wolf form he could hear everything the rest of the pack thought whenever their minds linked. Distance didn't put a stop to that, he thought moodily.

He was angry with Billy.

He was angry with the whole fricken Rez.

He was angry with Charlie.

He was damn well angry with Bella.

Angry didn't even begin to cover the ire he felt about Cullen. All of them, actually.

But mostly he knew he was angry with himself. That was the shittiest part of all. He really wished he could turn off all he was feeling as easily as a light switch. But no! It didn't work like that, did it? He kicked a small rock away from his path, and cursed his feelings. If he didn't love that girl, he decided he wouldn't give two shits about her.

If he did have to deal with all this, he at least remembered that he could become a wolf. That, at least, made everything more bearable.

This world was hard. And he was so mad at it.

So young and full of running.

Well, no more!

This was madness! He was tired of running. He wasn't going to lie to himself, because running away was what he had been doing all damn summer. Running a tiny infinity.

It was time to go back.

Through the green grasses and bushes, tall trees, a young man in the form of a wolf ran for all he was worth back to a small town by the name of La Push, next to Forks, Washington.

X X X

There was a new girl in town. No one really knew who she was, but she had family here and that was what everyone knew, that she had come here to be with her grandfather.

When Sam caught whiff of the new girl, he decided to do a little investigating. After all that was why La Push had a wolf pack. As its Alpha, he took it upon himself to find out exactly who this new woman was.

Things he found out: it was definitely a woman. A girl, actually, possibly just barely of age. Her grandfather was old man Jenkins. He was an esteemed member of their counsel, although he liked to mostly stick to his home and be alone. Sam didn't know too much about the old man, but he was a nice man, if a little grouchy. He lived in a little white house off the highway, like most of them did. He also found out, this time through Billy, that the girl's name was Dani Kristine. They had been expecting her for a few days now. She had just arrived there this morning; Embry had said he had seen her carry a big suitcase inside Old Man Jenkins' home. She seemed perfectly normal. He briefly wondered why she had decided to move to her grandfather's home.

When he told Emily that Embry had seen her this morning, Emily decided they would go over to Old Man Jenkins' home in the afternoon and say hello, with some muffins of course; she smiled warmly to Sam when she said this. He agreed.

But something big was going to happen today that had nothing (and eventually perhaps everything) to do with Dani.

Jacob Black was coming back home. That had been inside every wolf's thoughts for the last two days. Jacob had been running back home every second for the past 35 hours and he would soon be back.

Sam had known what was inside his brother's thoughts every time he turned into a wolf himself. He knew why Jacob was coming back - Bella Swan was getting married to Edward Cullen tonight. Jacob was planning on crashing the wedding, and perhaps even trashing it. Well, Sam thought, not if he could knock some sense into that kid!

He realized keeping track of Jacob would be a full time job for tonight. But at least after tonight was over he wouldn't have to worry about keeping Jake in line since the newlyweds would be long gone on their honeymoon. He realized he wouldn't be able to accompany Emily to see the new "neighbor" in town. Jacob's feelings were quickly putting a damper on everyone's lives. Emily frowned when he told her, but she also said she expected it after Sam told her Jake would be due there within a few hours. Sam suggested that Kim could probably go with her. The young women thought this a nice idea.

A couple hours later Sam sighed and gathered the older members of the pack so they could go meet Jake right before the woods ended, by the side of the road. He realized Jake was very determined to make it to Bella's wedding and wasn't planning on stopping in town first. So Sam formed plans with Paul, Quil, Jared and Embry and between the five of them Jake wouldn't be able to get away with much, and should he try anything they would be right there.

Jake was not happy about the babysitting he was being submitted to but agreed since he was running out of time and he needed to see Bella while she was still human.

All certainly didn't go as planned for none of the parties involved. Bella had been overjoyed at Jacob's appearance, but later greatly saddened by his actions, and angry as well but only at her big mouth. Sam was a little bit angry at Jake's violent reaction but was glad it had not escalated to something much worse. Jake was angry and defeated but mostly incredibly sad that some of his worst nightmares had come to pass. Love for Bella Swan was Jacob's greatest downfall, and not at all healthy for the poor young man.

Sam, Paul, Embry, Quil, and Jared knew Jake wanted to be alone, but they stuck to him like glue. They walked by the trees next to the deserted highway. They were on their way to Billy's (whom had also left the wedding party early) so they could leave Jake home. Quil, Embry, and Jared were trying to make small talk with Jake and even tried making some light jokes, but all Jacob did was look at the ground as he walked. Even Sam joined the easy banter between the other boys and tried to get a reaction out of Jake, but his face remained morose and Sam didn't think there would ever be anything that could wipe that look off his face.

Soon they got to La Push and were walking together down the beaten sidewalk when Paul told a crude joke at the expense of Jared which caused him to punch Paul in the arm, although it was done in good fun. It was at that moment that they heard a woman's laughter. Sam would recognize that sound anywhere; it was the sound of his beloved Emily's laughter.

They came around the corner and although it was completely night time now, there was a porch light on and all six men turned to the sound of some girls speaking to each other.

"Emily!" Sam lovingly called his fiancée. She looked over her shoulder and smiled and beckoned to him with a flick of her wrist.

She was standing on Old Man Jenkins' porch with Kim who also had her back turned to the boys. Jared called out to her too and Kim looked over her shoulder and walked down the few steps to meet him. The smiling couple joined Sam and Emily on the porch. Although the others were not invited they decided to come along without inhibitions; At the Rez it felt like everyone was family. Of course it was such a small place that many of the families were at one point related.

Jake wanted to get home and sleep, and maybe never wake up, but he followed his fellow brothers if just to keep moving.

As he neared the house he could hear Emily making introductions. "….that's Jared, with Kim, and that over there," she appeared to be pointing to everyone as she said their names; her finger finally rested on Paul. "That's Paul. You'll soon learn to hate him as much as the rest of us." They all laughed.

Paul mocked a great sigh. "It's true, they think I'm obnoxious." He then grinned widely. They all knew he didn't care that everyone thought he was a pain in the ass. Everyone laughed merrily at that.

Great, a whole fucking love fest, Jake thought bitterly. He really didn't even care who they were introducing, he just wanted to get home, but Emily started talking again.

"Guys, this is Dani. She got here this morning." Emily smiled, and so did the rest of the men.

Jake sighed in annoyance and was about to turn around and leave. Just then the new girl decided to speak. "Hello."

When he heard her voice he finally decided to look up at her. She hadn't been talking to him, but to the whole crowd in general. Although it had felt like she had been talking directly to him for a moment, that notion was what made him look up at her. He was standing behind Quil who was about a half head shorter than Jake so his eyes had a straight on view of this Dani girl.

At first he didn't know what was coursing through his body at the sight of her. He had been feeling so down that at first he didn't recognize what was going through him for what it was. He realized, with an electrical shock, that he was feeling….happy. And it was only at the sight of her. This was strange…different, and not altogether in a bad way. The girl hadn't uttered two words, and here he was, not four feet in front of her and was suddenly feeling things he had never thought he'd be able to feel again in his whole pathetic life.

A sharp intake of breath from one of her friends and the fact that Dani kept looking in Jake's direction made Emily realize she had not introduced him to her. "By the way, Dani, that's Jake," she said happily.

"Hi, Jake," she said somewhat shy but with a smile on her lips and a small gleam in her eyes.

Jake didn't know if he was above stuttering and at that moment he didn't think so because his heart was beating all too fast, so he nodded in acknowledgement, a tiny smile turning the corners of his mouth upwards involuntarily.

Sam had his arms around Emily and Jake realized she was talking again. "Well, you've had quite a long day, and we'll leave you to rest. We'll all probably end up seeing you again soon. Don't worry you will know us all sooner than you probably want." Dani smiled widely at this and nodded her head, which made the boys laugh heartily a bit.

"Sure!"

Kim hugged her and they all said their goodbyes. "Tell your grandpa we said goodbye again!"

"I will, thank you!" Jake could even hear her smile in her voice. This was too surreal and he didn't know what to think of it. The change in him was all so sudden, and not a single person around him could see what was happening even though he felt like his insides had melted and his heart had somehow become too large to stay inside his chest.

One by one they all made their way down the few steps and down the path. Sam was the last to leave and he turned to Jake who had been standing there dumbly. "Come on Jake, let's get out of here. You need to go home." Dani thought it sounded like a warning, or almost like an order for some reason, but decided not to think anything of it since this Jake guy didn't look like the type to be bossed around. She wasn't sure why she thought that, it must be his rough demeanor she decided, for he had done nothing to prove her assumption. Sam put his hand on the younger man's arm and tried to give him a slight shove; Jake didn't move at first. Sam grabbed some of the fabric of Jake's tee shirt from the back and pulled him away from Dani's porch. Stars twinkled in her eyes and she giggled slightly at the handsome boy's behavior. Well, she realized, he wasn't too much of a boy. The night was a bit dark, but the porch light allowed her eyes some relief and she swept her dark gaze around his face. He seemed much more of a man than a boy, although he was undoubtedly young. She guessed he was 19 or 20 years old.

Jake finally realized she would probably think him slow if he didn't get going. Every fiber in his being was screaming at him to stay, but he couldn't very well impose himself on her this late at night when the girl hadn't said more than a "hello" to him. She would probably think he was a creep so he turned around and started walking with Sam down the road. He sighed, almost wanting to turn around. Indeed he even looked over his shoulder a couple times, if only to just make sure she was real, that the way she was making him feel was real.

His home was only a couple of small blocks away and he ran them the rest of the way, ignoring everyone else. When he got home he saw Billy in his chair in front of the TV, next to the loveseat. The ten o'clock news had just started, although the sound was very low. Jake thought he was probably just waiting up for him.

"Son?" That lone word along with his expression asked everything his father wanted to know.

Jake smiled at him because it seemed like the natural thing to do, what with how he was feeling at the moment and all. He even walked closer to his dad and gave him a hug when he was in front of him. Billy hugged him back tightly. Both men wordlessly stating how much they had missed one another.

When he let go and stood up he said, "I'll be fine, dad. No more worries." Jake nodded in confirmation and Billy looked into his son's eyes and thought he truly meant it. He certainly hoped so. He didn't know what brought on the sudden change inside Jake's heart, but he decided not to question it right then and there. Billy had the patience born only from age and figured that with time he would find out. He patted his son's arm and told him to go to bed. Jake nodded and headed straight for the shower instead. He admitted to himself that it would be a nice change from being a wolf out in the wilderness. He was looking forward to a shower and a comfortable bed.

As the hot water beaded it's way down his broad back and powerful legs, a sudden thought struck him. It was an unbelievable thought. More like a question. A surprise indeed. One he never thought in a million years he would have to ask himself.

He wondered, did he…Had he…just imprinted on Dani?

The Quileutes didn't know much about imprinting or why it happened, just that it did. They also knew that it was a magical blessing, and men had no say in the matter, and now it appeared that this new girl had chosen Jacob Black as her mate, her destiny, and heaven help him because imprint on him she did!

XXX

The next morning was radical for Jake. So much had changed overnight. Although he had been a little bit tired from the events that happened at the wedding and the fact that he woke up with a soul mate, he couldn't help it - thoughts of her still kept him up.

He had been replaying what had happened the night before in his head over and over, if just to keep her fresh in his mind.

He remembered her with perfect clarity and couldn't wait to see her again. He didn't want to come off as a creep going over to her house so early in the morning when he didn't even really know her. Besides, he didn't even have some lame excuse to do so let alone a good one. All he knew was that he'd have to come up with something while he readied himself for the day.

He smiled as he thought of her shy, happy eyes. They were almost almond shaped, with thin black eyebrows, and dark. Not black, not brown like his, but somehow a mix of the two. They were dark and deep. Not menacing or melancholic at all in their darkness, but more like the dark gave them a light. They were happy, mysterious eyes. Ones he desperately wanted to see again.

He was feeling a little nervous he realized. He decided he might like another shower, and as he was just about to start washing his skin, he thought about hers. He took the bar of soap and washed his arms, rubbing the bar back and forth, vowing to some time in his life get a chance to gently rub soap on her arms. Or whatever body part he was lucky enough to shower with, he thought with a lopsided smile. He looked down at his own skin and the contrast of hers with his wasn't so different but at the same time fascinating. She wasn't as dark as he, just a few shades lighter and leaning more towards a subtle olive tone, where as his was more vibrant and russet.

She had also been awfully small. Her face was a bit oval-shaped but she had a strong yet delicate jaw line, and she had thin, pink lips. Her hair came a little past her shoulders and it looked so soft that at that moment he wanted to reach out and touch her if just to prove she was real and to prove she was the cause for the way he was suddenly feeling. Who was he kidding, of course he knew it was her doing! He knew it deep down in his heart that he now loved her. He had known the moment he saw her because it had been instant even if he hadn't completely acknowledged it. He had been feeling so awful before, he might just have done away with his life. She was truly his savior. He could never die now that he knew she was out there in this world, and that he was lucky enough that she was probably less than half a mile away from him. He'd give his all for her. Right then and there.

He thought that they were truly meant to be and he could picture their future together. They would live in the countryside with nothing but green trees and rolling hills surrounding them. She would grow big with his children and he would let nothing harm her or their babies, and they would grow old together, and he could ask nothing more from life…

Who was he kidding! If things were going to get even remotely anywhere near his fantasy he at least had to get the guts to ask her out on a date for Christ's sake!

He grimaced. How was he going to approach her? It was only just barely past seven in the morning and she'd probably still be asleep, and here was he, pacing from the beginning of the kitchen to the front door debating on whether to throw caution to the wind and just go knock on her door like he desperately wanted to. Throw caution to the wind he did because he couldn't take it anymore. Billy was still in bed, most likely getting up any minute and Jake marched resolutely out the front door and onto the cold La Push morning.

Although he wasn't cold at all, he donned a dark long sleeve shirt and some old worn in light washed cut offs. He walked briskly down the highway towards Dani's house. The crisp morning air made him feel wired. As her house loomed closer the gravity of his situation dawned on him. What the hell was he supposed to say to her? He shook his head slightly and decided he'd play it by ear. He'd figure it out once he was standing before her. The thought scared him a tiny bit, but he plowed on.

He was saved any immediate answers because she saw him first as he got within reach of her house. It appeared she was having car trouble because she was hiding behind the hood of an old car.

"Hi, Jake!" she yelled towards him. His eyes widened slightly as he took her appearance in once more. She was smiling. Her hair was up in a slightly disheveled ponytail. Her dark jeans made her thin legs look long and shapely, even if she was inches over five feet. She wore a pink pullover hoodie that made her look absolutely huggable and cozy.

"Hi, Dani," he greeted her with a smile of his own, unbeknownst to her it was caused solely by her alone. And unbeknownst to him his smile caused her insides to melt and squirm pleasantly which gave her butterflies but made her smile wider still.

"You're up early!" she said. "Going for a run or something?" She was still smiling as she said it.

Here was his ready made excuse and she had even provided it! But he didn't want to lie to her, nor tell her the creepy truth that he was just coming over to see her for no reason other than just to be near her. He decided to just shrug noncommittally and offer a half smile.

"It's supposed to be a nice day today, as far as the weather here goes." He gestured with his hand.

"Yeah, although I haven't lived in the Northwest my whole life, I'm very familiar with the weather here." She smiled a little, teasing him.

He almost felt like an idiot, he chuckled and said, "It's still summer, I'm sure it'll be warm later on. Maybe we could go down to the beach?" He hadn't thought before he spoke the words because to say them had felt so natural, but he smiled brightly as soon as she spoke her next sentence.

"I would love that! I haven't been to a beach in so long!" she gushed.

He chuckled again at her exuberant response. "It wont be your standard beach," he warned. "Remember we live in the Olympic peninsula."

She smiled again and said, "I remember." They locked gazes for a few moments.

Dani was feeling lightheaded and grabbed onto the car in front of her to steady herself. Jacob was feeling strange and was ready to kiss her so he broke the spell first. "So hey! What have you got here? Car trouble?"

She smiled ruefully. "Unfortunately. I don't know why I even bothered lifting the hood, I've no idea what I'm supposed to be looking at here." She motioned to all the metal and rubber hoses. "I'm a typical girl," she said regrettably.

Jake came around the car to stand right next to her. A heat seemed to surge when he neared and blossomed into something unknown in Dani's belly.

He smiled at her. His height was astounding and would have been intimidating if it didn't cause her to feel completely safe with him. She had no idea why she felt that way, especially since they had just met, but she already trusted him with her life. She had her hands resting next to some metal part in front of her and she looked down at them next to his. The sudden contrast nearly took her breath away, he was just so huge! She felt so tiny, delicate, but completely and utterly safe.

She shook her head slightly to clear the fuzziness. He was already moving some things around near the engine.

"It was acting very funny yesterday, too, when my Pappaw picked me up from the Airport." It was a small, old, navy blue car so he had to bend inwards to comfortably get a hold of everything he thought could be wrong. He smiled at what she said because she sounded so worried but she didn't see it because of the position he was in. "And this morning it wouldn't even start. I hope it hasn't reached the end of its life." Another frown. He smiled wider; poor thing didn't know she was talking to the La Push resident mechanic. There was really not too much wrong with the car. He'd need a few parts but he could scramble around his garage for them. Even take them out of his own car if need be, although he hoped he wouldn't have to.

Finally he straightened back up to face her.

"So, what's the verdict?" she asked a bit nervously, biting her lower lip. He thought it the cutest thing he'd seen all his life.

"I think I might be able to salvage it," he said it seriously, mockingly, but she didn't notice the difference. She sighed in relief. He thought he could work this towards his advantage. He smiled. "Tell you what, I'll fix it all if you and I have a date." Her heart fluttered when he put them together in that sentence. "How 'bout it? …But the beach today doesn't count," he amended with a sly grin.

Inside Dani was glowing and her insides were melting all over again. She herself was trying to get the guts to ask him out sometime. He was just so handsome! she thought, and so very comfortable to be with.

"Deal!" After all, it was no big sacrifice, she thought with a smile. They grinned happily at each other for a few moments.

"Where were you headed so early this morning, anyway?" Jake asked her suddenly.

She was still smiling slightly as she spoke. "Pappaw's not very good at keeping stocked groceries. I was just heading to the nearest grocery store to pick some up." She suddenly looked forlorn. "But if the car's not working I think it'll have to wait. I doubt he even has a bike lying around."

He didn't want her to have to resort to anything like that if he could help it. Besides, it was just all that much more lucky for him to get to spend more time with her. "I could take you if you'd like. I only live a couple streets down. My car happens to work just fine…"

A small smile was growing on Dani's lips. "That would be only too awesome if you did that for me, Jake."

"Of course I would do that for you, Dani." I would do anything for you…There was glitter in his dark eyes and his smile melted her heart until it was nothing but mush.

The young man and woman started a gentle stroll down the sidewalk in a comfortable silence as the sun rose higher and higher in the sky. Their easy chatter and body language would make them appear to any strangers as if they had grown up together, so comfortable they were.

It was a quick walk to Jake's driveway where his car was parked, but he decided to introduce Dani to his father as he had to go inside the house in any case. It'd also help give the man peace to know his son had found somebody worthy of his love and devotion.

"Do you mind coming inside with me? I have to get my car keys and you'll probably see my old man."

"No way, I'd love to meet your father," she said with a nice smile. As they walked towards the door she said, "everyone here has been so nice, it was never like that in Ohio! I mean people were nice there too, but it wasn't the same, not like here. It must be the difference between a regular community and being part of a tribe."

He smiled at her happy notion. "Possibly. In any case I'm glad you like being here. I've been wanting to know why it was you moved here, if you don't mind me asking…?"

A shadow of darkness crossed her happy features for a moment but she composed herself quickly. "I will tell you later. Promise." She smiled her lovely smile once more. They looked forward again but he stole a quick glance; she still seemed slightly saddened by his question so he decided to leave it at that. After all she did promise to tell him later on. He'd just have to have some patience; They were now walking through the door anyway.

Billy was sitting near the loveseat with a steaming mug of coffee as he waiting for the commercials of the morning news to end.

"Hi, dad," he clamped a hand on the older man's shoulder in greeting with Dani in tow behind him.

"Hello, son. Who have you brought with you this morning?" he asked lightly. His eyes glittering in a happy manner.

"Dad, this is Dani. She's Old Man Jenkins granddaughter." Jake moved aside to let him see the girl.

"Ah yes, of course I've heard about you. Your grandfather was very happy to see you come back, even if your circumstances were less than perfect." Jake wondered what he had missed in his Summer long absence, since it was obvious even his father knew why Dani had moved to La Push. He hoped Dani would tell him her story sooner rather than later; the curiosity was killing him. "I'm sorry about that, but welcome to our little humble abode, Dani." Billy's eyes were telling, and already she felt like a part of his family. He made her feel as welcome as the rest of them did if not more. She smiled in response and told him her heartfelt thanks.

"Dad, I'm going to take her to pick up some groceries because her car wouldn't start this morning." Jake smiled and his father nodded in approval only too happily. He'd have to talk with him soon, hopefully later on in the day. He wanted to know if his suspicions were correct. He certainly hoped so.

They said their goodbyes and Jake remembered to take his keys from the hook with him. As they walked out the sun was indeed growing warmer and in turn warmed their spirits. Dani had a feeling that her hoody would probably have to go very soon.

Jake came around the passenger door of his old rabbit and unlocked and opened the door for Dani. Her whole face lit up at the sweet gesture. He closed her door once she was in and jogged to the other side. Once out of the driveway the silence was comfortable but still different. Dani realized it was different because she was so used to having music playing in a car.

"Do you listen to the radio?" That was a dumb thing to say on her part. Of course everyone listened to the radio! "Would you mind if I turned it on?" she went on.

"Oh," he looked at her, startled for a moment, as if he was just getting to know what a radio was. Strange. "Of course. It's just…a friend of mine, well, ex friend of mine…hated music, so eventually I forgot all about it," he said simply, vaguely.

Two things crossed Dani's mind as he said this. One: what an odd thing to do. Who on Earth could possibly hate music! Two: if Jake's 'ex friend' eventually made him forget all about music than he or she had had to of spent quite a lot of time with Jacob. She wondered who this person was. She filed it away in a corner of her mind for now, especially as it seemed that Jake wasn't too inclined in talking about it, but she would ask later.

"Well, you're going to have to remember music now," she said happily as she switched the old radio on. She turned the dial back and forth trying to find something good with actual reception. Satisfied that the station she left it on was the clearest and pleasant she settled in her seat as Jacob drove down the highway. She was feeling utterly carefree in the early morning breeze. It was definitely getting warmer as the day wore on. She looked out the window and smiled, humming happily as she closed her eyes. Jacob looked to his right, stealing small glances at the pretty girl. He felt that she was just what he needed in his life. Right there and at that moment he had never been more glad to be a Quileute, and a wolf, because as such he knew the moment he laid eyes on her that she was forever his and that she was his soul mate. The best thing about that in particular was that he no longer had doubts. She was as certain and real as the sun is bright. She was real! He had found his soul mate at last.

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