Chapter One:

Jacob POV

The night the evil Italian bloodsuckers left was the first night in ages that I laid my head in my father's house. I think I slept for twenty hours, maybe better. The second I awoke though I wanted to see her, needed to see her. I wanted to know she was alright.

I ran all the way to the cottage and then phased in the woods before I walked up to the front door. I wasn't sure if I should knock, I mean had things changed since yesterday?

"Not that much, Jacob, come in," I heard Edward answer my unspoken thought.

"Morning Edward," I said with a smile. "Or afternoon… or whatever…" I laughed.

"Jake!" said the voice I had been longing for. Nessie ran into the room, jumped, and landed in my waiting arms, as if she belonged there. Of course she did as far as I was concerned.

"Yeah, as far as she is concerned too, Jake," Edward muttered.

"Hey munchkin! How are you?" I said tickling her. I scoped her out slyly to see just how much she had changed since I had seen her last. She had grown a good half inch, and she was looking a bit more mature, less toddler, more little girl.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked me weaving her fingers through my hair.

"I did. You?"

"I dreamt about hunting with you," she said, by way of a hint.

"Really? Funny, I dreamt about a big home cooked meal of "people food" with you," I teased.

Bella grinned at me as she entered the room and Edward gave me thumbs up from behind Nessie. I knew they wanted her to have a more varied diet and "people food" would help her fit in when she one day joined a more human existence.

"Eww!" Nessie griped.

"Don't say that to Esme, she is a great cook and you'll hurt her feelings," I scolded.

I somehow thought that I would grow accustomed to not spending as much time at the Cullen's, but that really didn't happen. My pack, the one I never wanted, had grown, now it was me, Embry, Leah, Quil, and Seth. In splitting the packs we more than doubled our territory, protecting the whole of Forks and the Reservation. We kind of centered ourselves on the Cullen's property, as much because we were welcome there as the fact that I was more calm there than anywhere, because that was where Nessie was.

Esme and Carlisle opened there home to us and bless them, fed us. Their dining room was used for its original purpose for the first time. It was actually a sort of conspiracy between Esme and me. With the pack being fed "people food" three times a day in the big house we were able to encourage Nessie to try many different incarnations of non-liquid meals. She was reluctant at first, but my friends are the best and coaxed her into it with bets and challenges that she was far too stubborn to refuse.

"Bet I can eat a burger faster than you can Nessie!" Seth would say.

"Bet you can't!" She would challenge back.

I often caught Bella's eye at moments like this and saw her mouthed thank you's. What was funny was that Ness did come to love certain foods, eggs being her number one choice. Bella and Edward were thrilled that she would eat because they figured it would make the transition to living a somewhat human existence easier when it was finally possible for her.

We still hunted, Nessie and I, but for fun as much as anything. My sweet girl did not play like most children. She had fun and took pleasure in many things, but she was constantly evolving mentally as well as physically.

"Jake?" Nessie asked one day while we were walking in the woods.

"Yes, Ness?" I responded.

"What are you going to be when you grow up?" Her slightly luminescent face gazed up at me with such childish adoration.

"Aren't I grown up?" I stalled.

She shot me a look of utter annoyance. "You know what I mean. You are going to be something aren't you, like, Grandpa Charlie is a policeman, and Grandpa Carlisle is a doctor?"

"Hmm… Have you asked your folks this question?" I said trying to compose my thoughts.

"Yes," she said matter-of-factly. "Daddy said they are starting on-line classes in the fall. Daddy is going to study medicine, like Grandpa, and Momma is going to study science."

"Oh," I hadn't quite thought that I was going to be cornered like that. "I have thought about studying mechanical engineering, but I need to work on financing."

I had not really thought about college yet. I had graduated a year early, thinking at the time that I could then leave with impunity. Bella having married Edward and destroyed my world, or so I thought. Little did I know that the munchkin at my side would be the direct result of their union, thus solidifying my future. She was right, though, I needed to educate myself, if only to be worthy of her. I also needed a way to support her, one day.

"Doesn't Aunt Alice handle all that?" she asked naively.

"Huh?"

"Well, Momma says that's why we have no money worries, because Aunt Alice reads financial futures. Isn't that how it works?" Of course she assumed that everybody had her family's wealth, what else did she know?

It was later that night that I sat down with the pixie to see if there was a way to boost my personal financial futures.

"I would be delighted to take over your investment portfolio," Alice enthused.

"Umm… Alice, I have no investments. That's kind of the problem. I have a couple of thousand set aside for college, but no where near enough," I sighed.

"Give me a month, and we can quadruple it. Give me six and we can plan your retirement," Alice giggled.

"Seriously?"

"Oh yeah. Remember, I don't sleep, and I like numbers. You just let me play and we will have you rich as Croesus."

"That would certainly be a change," I laughed.

"We just need to decide what online program you want to enter, then we can get you started. By the way, I think this is an awesome idea, Nessie needs an educated family, especially as we need to educate her ourselves, at least for a while," Alice said.

"Yeah I need to try and keep ahead of her," I said, realizing just how daunting that thought was. "What are we going to do for her education? I mean now that we know she will eventually slow down growth wise?"

Bella had overheard me and come into the living room then. "We are each taking a subject. That way no one looses out on time with her. I'm taking Literature, Edward is taking music, Jasper will do history, Emmett; physical education, Alice; math, Rosalie ; human behavior and manners, Esme; Art, and Carlisle; Science."

"What do I get?" I asked.

"Recess!" Nessie said running in and leaping into my arms with a giggle.

"What? Don't you think I have anything to teach you?" I asked, hanging her upside-down and laughing.

"You are supposed to be all fun," she said trying to wiggle free.

"Actually, I was hoping that you would pick up Native American Studies," Edward stated. "I think Nessie needs a well rounded education. Oh, and recess," he added tickling his daughter.

"I think we can combine the two, if you like," I told Ness.

"We can?" she said still hanging upside-down, her perfect little face turning red as the blood rushed to her cheeks.

"Yeah, I bet we could even do field trips."

"What's a field trip?" Nessie asked as I swung her up into my arms and righted her world.

"It means we could go out in the world. Go to La Push, or Hoquiam. Meet and greet people and see life up close and personal. If that's okay with your folks…" I said with a hopeful glance at Edward and Bella.

"I think La Push would be excellent. Hoquiam, even might do, as long as it is not obvious that she is aging to anyone," Edward said.

"The pack families are in on our secret, so there is no danger there, and I think expanding her social sphere is a brilliant idea. Thanks Jake," Bella said kissing my cheek, and then Nessie's.

"Cool Ness, we can go to First beach, and maybe even do some cliff diving," I enthused.

"Oh no you don't!" Said every Cullen in ear shot.

"Kidding!" I laughed.

Nessie leaned forward and whispered in my ear "That sounds cool."

Bella immediately extricated Ness from my arms. "Not a chance young lady. I said no."

"But you did it, I heard you talking to Aunt Alice about it," she pouted.

"Over my dead…" Edward began.

"Careful there, Edward," I laughed.

"We said no, Renesme and Jake will do as we ask," Bella said eyeing me.

"Yes Ma'am," I agreed.

The first time I took Ness down to First Beach it was actually sort of sunny. Nessie was thrilled with the warmth of the sun and excited to see the water up close.

She was a little older than a year and looked about five. The sun glinted off her glorious hair, a coppery red, lighter than her father's and falling in riotous curls halfway down her back. Alice and Bella refused to cut it, and I was glad, it was beautiful.

She had her mother's heart shaped face, but it was touched by Edward's features as well. She was actually a perfect blend of the two. But her eyes were all Bella, chocolaty brown and huge. It took everything I had not to lose myself in their luminous depths every time she looked at me.

It amazed me how the imprinting worked. She was my life. Her happiness was my main goal in life, yet it did not allow me to indulge her in any way that would be detrimental. I adored her, but in a responsible, almost fraternal way, except that in her I also saw my future. I could see a grown woman in the depths of those eyes, and the future mother of my children. I could see our life spread out before me in amazingly clear detail, almost as if I had Alice's visions, yet I knew that it was still completely her choice and that each step was yet to be taken, and would only be taken if she so chose.

I used to wonder how Quil managed to not lose his mind waiting for Claire to grow up, but now I completely understood. I had no impatience for Nessie to grow up, in fact I wanted her to have as much of a childhood as she could have. I worried that because of her exponential aging she was missing so much of the freedom a kid should have, that was why I was so excited about being able to bring her to La Push. I wanted her to have a freedom and playfulness that I hoped she could find among my pack brothers in their natural environment.

She had it too. I watched her run in and out of the water like almost any child would at their first beach. I heard her high pitched, bell-like giggle as the chill of the ocean washed over her toes. Then she came rushing back to me all smiles and happiness, waiting for the next part of the adventure.

"Will you teach me to swim?" she asked me brightly.

"Sure, if you like. But it needs to be another time. You have no swim suit, and it needs to be a little warmer, I think. I don't want you turning into a popsicle. Besides, we have big plans Little One," I said ruffling her hair.

"We do?" she asked, catching my excitement.

"Yeppers! The whole gang is getting together for a cookout, and then later…" I paused dramatically.

I watched her impatience grow until it bubbled out. "Later?"

"A bonfire, and initiation," I said.

"Initiation?" she asked.

"Each new member of the packs gets initiated into the fold by hearing the legends of the tribe, and receiving a special symbol of the pack. It's a great honor, and very important to the tribe and the pack," I said with gravity. I had to admit when said this way it did sound impressive.

"Who is being initiated?" she asked her eyes all aglow.

"It's actually a very special night. It is the largest initiation we have ever had. For the first time ever we are welcoming an entire family into our way of life. There are even some new stories being told for the first time ever," I told her.

"I can't wait. What family?" she asked bouncing up and down.

"You are just going to have to wait and see," I said walking her toward the rise that would lead to the cliff top.

Several hours later I was lost watching my girl run around and play with Claire. She was laughing and smiling, and I even heard her singing. It was the first time I saw her just be a kid. I was awestruck at the joy I felt. Sam's pack was all there, as were mine. Everyone had taken to her as if she was the golden child, which of course to me she was.

"She is amazing, Jake. Hard to believe that we were ready to go to war over her, huh?" Sam said quietly at my side.

"Who would ever have believed that this night would come?" I asked shaking my head in wonder.

"Did you tell her?" he asked.

"Nope. They should be here in a little while. I can't wait to hear the new stories. I think it will be a magical night," I said.

"Yeah, Billy quizzed us all for our view of events. I assume he got your pack too. He wants the new legends to be perfect, and to become as much a part of our history as the old legends. Should be exciting."

I sat with my munchkin in my lap watching the blue green flames of the driftwood fire glow against the darkening sky.

Then I smelled the sweet burn of my vampire family as they approached. They walked up with a quiet respect, and obvious trepidation. I had told them their presence was requested, but had not told them exactly why.

"Greetings Cullen family," my dad said in his rich voice. "Please come and enter our circle."

"It is an honor to be invited," said Carlisle.

All of the Cullens took seats about the fire, interspersed with the two packs. The circle was the largest we had ever had. I looked around and was awestruck by the sight of two former enemies sitting in community.

Then Old Quil began the proceedings. "This tribal circle begins a new era, for as of tonight we join in community with the newest members of our tribe. We have grown as a people and as a family. Tonight we welcome the Cullens as full members of our tribe, adopted family, with all rights and privileges of that status. We begin by sharing the legends…"

I listened to the legends that had been told for centuries. As the tales unfolded I watched the Cullens' faces, they were mesmerized and enthralled, just as Bella had been the first time she had heard our histories. Edward looked at me, and sent me a smile that made me feel the bond we now shared. Carlisle and Esme were glued to Old Quil's face as he told the tales, and then to Billy's as he took over. Rose and Emmett sat with obvious rapture on their faces. Jasper and Alice were obviously picturing each tale as it unfolded and I could tell they were basking in the magic.

Nessie had placed her palm against my cheek and was sharing her impressions of things with me as she listened. Each image was tinged with awe and wonder, as well as excitement and pride that her family was the one being initiated.

Then after the story of the third wife, a story that had added meaning to Bella, Edward, and me, Billy's voice paused. "Tonight we add to our legends. Legends do not tend to occur regularly, yet here in this circle sit the stuff of legends. Each of you has had a part in changing history and each of you has had a part in forming a new chapter in this story. Now hear, for the very first time the legend of the largest pack in our history.

After many, many, many moons the golden-eyes returned to our area. Their numbers had grown over time, but their ways of peace and kindness remained. Once again the need for wolf-warriors was triggered and a new pack was born. At first there was resentment, for again our sons and daughters were called upon to protect the tribe, and sacrifices were asked of them yet again. This time, however, it was neither wolf, nor cold one who would cause the change among the hearts of the people.

This time the change came in the form of a human girl, a girl who softened the hearts of all and became loved beyond borders, and treaties, and prejudices."

I saw Bella smile softly and knew she would be blushing if she could.

"She was a magnet for trouble. Somehow our small territory became a Mecca for vampires. As the cold ones invaded our area to destroy this young human the pack grew larger and larger. The invading army came with the intent of destroying this one human girl and both the pack and the golden-eyes were determined to defend her. That determination became so strong that for the first time we decided to join forces. Together we fought for the life of the girl we all loved, and together we defeated the largest vampire army we had ever known. It should have been a time of great joy, but that was not the case, because on the heels of our victory came a glimpse of the future.

An envoy from the ancients came and observed our great victory, the golden-eyes protected the secrets of the pack and turned the ancients away.

Unfortunately, this human girl forced the hands of the pack by choosing, of her own will, to be the cause of the treaty being violated. The alliance was threatened and the pack and the golden-eyes were again at odds. A union made between this human and a golden-eye threatened our preconceived notions of how life should be. She returned to forks with child, and fear of the unknown permeated all factions."

At this my dad paused and gazed at Nessie, sitting in my lap.

I saw the image of her thoughts, and she seemed confused. This was not part of the story she knew. I was momentarily afraid that she would be upset, but her thoughts were fascinated, she seemed to enjoy being a part of the story.

"All sides feared the birth of this child, only the human girl was not afraid. She foresaw the wonder of this child, for she knew the child would be an "in-between."

When the child was born, wolf and golden-eye worked together to change the human girl into a golden-eye and thus save her existence. The in-between was neither wholly vampire, nor wholly human. She bridged the gap between the two and she was a wonder. She bonded the wolves and the golden-eyes for all eternity, for they all adored her for her unique and magical beauty and charm. At her birth, a new treaty was born, and all swore allegiance to this child.

Little did we then know that a new battle would rage over this babe. Again the ancients came to Forks, but this time they were intent on destroying not only the once human girl, but all of the golden-eyes, all because they feared this in-between.

We stood together in the field, with witnesses to speak on the child's behalf. Together we turned away the ancients and saved the child, and together we remain. We left the field that day, as more than comrades, we left as more than friends. Today we come together as family, pledging ourselves to fight and even to die if necessary to preserve each other's way of life. Enter this circle friends, and leave here as brothers and sisters. From this night until time ceases," Billy said strongly and clearly.

Then Sam and I stood and walked to Carlisle and Edward. In tandem we handed them woven bracelets from which hung a small carved wolf, and said in unison, "Take these symbols of our tribe and be welcome into it, for I proudly call you brother."

We repeated this in turn to each family member of the Cullens, until at last only Nessie was left. We bent down to her and I saw the tears wetting her cheeks. I held up a woven necklace, on it was a carving of three symbols, a wolf, a human child, and a heart. "Lastly, we honor you, our in-between child, who bonded us all in love and strength. To you we pledge our loyalty, protection, eternal love."

This I said alone, and as I said it I looked up and saw Edward and Bella smile in approval, and nod to me and to each other, knowing that the pledge was truly mine to their daughter.