Author's note: All character's belong to Stephenie Meyers.

I have added a play list for this story, not every chapter but just when something fits. This song is for both chapter 1 & 2 - .com/watch?v=HTphQ8ESI4k&feature=player_embedded

Chapter 2 – BATTLE LINES

There hasn't been another phone call from Bella since I sent my note back. The realization that she might have actually listened to the harsh words I had written and comprehended the truth that we could not be friends, was extremely painful. Wasn't this what I wanted? For her to quit trying and to leave me alone.

Alone. It was a perfect description of what I was. I didn't want to be around anyone, even my pack brothers. The depression had started to eat me alive, and I spent most of my time either closed off in my room or walking along the beach. There was something so peaceful about the waves breaking across the shore line and receding back into the ocean. No one called them a coward for going back into the ocean where they came from, for that was the waves purpose.

That is where I found myself, once again sitting in the sand just watching time pass. Once again I felt someone come and sit beside me, as I turned my head I saw that it was Sam.

"Hey Jake," he said.

"Hey, is everything okay with the pack?" I asked.

"Yeah, pretty much there was just some things I needed to talk to you about." I knew that there had been a Council meeting tonight and I figured that it had something to do with that. However I couldn't think of anything that would involve me that Sam couldn't handle himself in regards to the Council.

"Well spit it out." I encouraged.

"Has your dad ever mention anything about being alpha?" He asked.

"No." I said while shaking my head. "Should he have?"

"Well you know that the last pack alpha was your great grandfather Ephraim."

"Yes. Sam I don't really need the history lesson, what is the point?"

He took a deep breath, probably to calm down from my blatant rudeness. "Jacob, being alpha is passed down from one to another. I have always known that I was just holding the spot until you phased and took your rightful place."

"Wow, Sam." I started to remember Paul making some snide comment about me being alpha, I sort of thought he was just be dramatic, however it was all starting to make more sense. "I'm not going to fight you for alpha."

"Well that is good to know, but that wasn't exactly what I was suggesting. I would be stepping down and you would become the leader that you were meant to be."

"But I'm not a leader."

"You are more of one than you realize. Have you ever thought about why the others always seem to do whatever you tell them to?"

"I just figured they thought it was a good idea and followed."

"Nothing is that simple, Jake. They can feel the alpha in you whether they realize it or not."

"Sam, I don't want to be a wolf."

"Jake, you didn't loose Bella because you are a wolf." Sam said cautiously.

"I know that." I answered bitterly.

"I just wanted to let you know that I will step down if you want me to."

I took a moment to think about the possibilities that being alpha would allow me, but it wasn't something that I wanted. "No Sam, I would like for you to remain as alpha."

"Okay. With our pack being so large I think that it would be best to have a second in command and I would like you to take that responsibility. It would help those who do not quite understand why they follow you, to be more at ease."

"I understand, that will be fine."

"Let's meet at my house, and I'll gather everyone else up for a pack meeting."

The pack meeting went very well and everyone seemed to be at ease with Sam remaining as alpha and myself being second in command. I think there was a little bit of a surprise between everyone that I didn't step up, but it also felt settled and I was thankful that we wouldn't have to deal with that anymore. With us all together Sam decided to go ahead and do some fight training for a couple hours before we went back home.

It turns out it was just a couple more days before we were able to put all this training into action. Quil, Embry and I were running patrols and making plans to spend the rest of the weekend together, when we came across a fresh scent. Instantly I worried about Bella, not really sure how diligent the Cullens were being in her protection. Sam wanted us to wait, but I was being a little impatient and the three of us followed her trail until it crossed the Cullen boarder.

Sam alerted the rest of the pack and it didn't take long before we were all together, and we filled them in on what they had missed.

"So what do we do next?" Quil asked.

"Something is going on with the Cullens. They are just pacing around not far from the boarder." Jared answered.

"Has anyone spoken to them?" I asked.

"No." Sam answered. "Do you think they already know that we are aware of them being there?"

"I'm not sure how far Edward's mind reading works, but we should assume that the psychic knows that we know." I answered.

"I have been watching them this whole time." Jared informed. "They haven't moved, its like they are waiting for something."

We paced around anxious that our opportunity to fight them has arrived, to control the nerves many ran up and down our border memorizing every bend and curve. I must admit this is far different than what I had been expecting for this confrontation. The more I thought about it, the more it didn't make sense. Why would they just be standing there, provoking us but not doing anything. Were they here to try and make an exception in the treaty for Bella? That wasn't going to happen, hell could freeze over before I would ever agree to her becoming one of them.

The wind was calm and settled around us as we waited. Suddenly they started running through the trees ducking and weaving through the trees, it didn't make any sense at all until we saw the flash of red blazing through the trees.

No, freaking way. Paul screamed, he was royally pissed off. That stupid red head has been with the Cullens this whole time!

I don't believe it. I stammered.

Look closer. Jared insisted I do not believe she is running with them, but rather from them.

She is who they have been waiting for. Embry added.

They should have told us! I snarled. I couldn't believe that they knew it and kept that information from us

We ran along our line waiting, it didn't take long before she leaped onto our side and we chased as she continued to dodge and weave through the trees. In no time she was again back across into Cullen territory and we were forced to remain on our side. She continued to dance along the line with teeth biting at her heals when she was on our side, and blurs of white on their side.

She was on their side running, the deep ravine was not far ahead and she would be on our land once again. Jumping over it was the only logical option for her, Paul, Leah and I ran faster to be ready for her when she leaped, not expecting to let her land on two feet, but instead tearing her to pieces. It was the perfect ambush (or it would have been), as she got ready to leap the large burly Cullen sprung, flinging himself through the air. It was clear that if he missed his target he would have no other option than to land on our side.

Paul saw it too and crouched down ready to spring, the moment the burly Cullen missed he landed right on Paul. Leah and I began to run down the ravine as we watched and Paul and Cullen wrestled each other crashing hard into the water below. The beautiful blond met us down at the bottom and crouched down to assist the burly Cullen.

Dude, she's hot. Quil remarked.

Awh, guys that's gross. She is a freaking leech for crying out loud. Leah retorted.

Up above Embry, Quil, Jared, Seth and Sam continued to chase after the red head, but she was too far away for them to catch her. Paul and Leah both growled sharply, started to circle around the burly Cullen and the blond ready to attack, and suddenly we all felt calm and the fury and anger left us. It was like I forgot what I was upset about and had no desire to fight.

It was really strange, it wasn't until the Cullens climbed up the ravine safely to their side, that I realized that it must have been the mood altering Cullen that had affected us. I wanted to be pissed, but all I could feel was calm. Paul, Leah, and I walked back up on our side and we looked the other Cullens in the eyes.

"I'm sorry," said the head Cullen. "My son, Jasper, was only trying to protect his brother, he meant you no harm." He nodded his head to the freaky looking Cullen with blond hair, and immediately our own emotions flooded through us. I had never been more pleased to be pissed in all my life.

"Is Victoria still on your side?" Asked a female with caramel colored hair.

I looked through the eyes of my brothers and saw that they were still chasing her. Sam do you want me to answer her? I asked.

Yes, but do not phase.

I wasn't planning on it. It was then that I noticed that Edward wasn't with them, never really thought I would want to see him, but I must admit it would be easier to communicate if he were here.

I nodded my head 'yes' to the female Cullen.

"May I suggest that we focus on her for now, we can work out these issues later," the head Cullen reasoned.

I agree. Sam said.

I nodded once again and we all took off, them on their side and us on ours. We continued heading north through the cliffs as she weaved into their territory and our own back and forth. Just past the cliffs once again she jumped landing deep in the water below. There was a stream of curses on their side and ours, it was so frustrating that she was getting away again.

"Let us cross and go after her," the burly Cullen yelled.

Sam shook his head 'no'.

"We will go straight to the water and take the main land back completely avoiding the rest of your land," The freaky blond male tried to reason.

Again, Sam shook his head 'no'.

Suddenly the little Cullen's, eyes glazed over, "I saw her swim to Seattle." Alice informed while looking at us as well as her group.

"Well it doesn't appear that there is anymore that we can do tonight, lets go." The head Cullen said as they turned to leave.

I lifted my front paws slamming them on the ground to get their attention back, and the head Cullen turned back around.
Jacob what are you doing? Sam asked.

We need to know where Edward is, it doesn't make sense for him not to be here.

What do you mean?

If Victoria trying to kill Bella is even slightly as personal to him as it is to me . . . no one could stop me from being here. Where is he?

Maybe he is with Bella? Embry suggested.

In the middle of the night? I countered

Paul snickered, Oooh kinky. I felt myself growl in response.

"Is there something you need?" He asked. "I'm sorry my other son isn't here to interpret, you're going to have to change back to be able to speak."

I came and stood behind both Paul and Sam knowing that my remaining pack brothers would surround me as well, as I phased back. Only my head stood up above Paul's tall back and shoulders, so I didn't bother putting my clothes back on.

"Where is Edward?" I demanded.

"He is with Bella." The caramel colored Cullen answered

"Where?"

"He and Bella left on Friday for Floria to visit her mother," she informed.

My mouth hung open, that filthy lying fool! How on earth would she expect me to believe that a sparkling vampire would go to one of the sunniest places on earth. Without further thought I exploded back into my wolf form.

That liar! I screamed, as a fierce growl erupted from my body.

Calm down Jacob. Sam said, stepping up to my side.

"I'm sorry that upset you, I don't understand." The head Cullen stated taking a few steps in front of the female. "Please, lets wait for Edward to return tomorrow and we can meet again if necessary."

Sam stepped forward and nodded his large head and the Cullens retreated, I assume to their home.

While we were all together we spread out and did a quick patrol of all our land. My head was a mess, I couldn't believe the load of crap that she had tried to feed me. But why would she lie? What would they have to hide? They said that Edward and Bella left Friday and would return tomorrow, that was three days. THREE DAYS! Holy crap, they have changed Bella!

There was a collective gasp between the wolves as they had all been watching my brain process the information. This was the exact moment that we have been training for.

Let's go! Paul, said excited, it really bothered him that there was such a large group of vampires that was determined untouchable.

With Edward gone this would be a perfect time, they wouldn't hear us coming. Quil encouraged.

But what about the little psychic, would she know? Jared reasoned.

Not to mention that mood altering crap, I have had enough of that for one day. Leah scowled.

Come on Sam, what are we waiting for? I agreed.

Jacob, I think we need more information. I admit that your logic makes sense, but there is no rush. I need to speak with the Council before we just go declaring war on them.

If we are wrong it would be us breaking the treaty and not them. Embry added.

We disbanded for the evening and Sam was going to talk to the Council in the morning. I was so anxious that I volunteered for patrol, knowing that I wouldn't be able to sleep at home. I felt sorry for Quil who was stuck with me. I knew my mind was not going to be in a good place, and I was right. I was a nervous wreck. Part of me was so ready to fight the Cullens that everything in me wanted the treaty to be broken so that battle lines could be drawn and war declared. I would enjoy tearing them to pieces for what they have done. However, the other part of me knew what would be the cause of a broken treaty, and my heart ached at the thought of my Bella being gone forever.

Jake you're killing me here, stop thinking like that. Quil choked out.

Quil I wish I could. The pain was so intense. I'm sorry to put you through this, you can leave if you want. I can patrol the area alone. I wasn't bitter or angry at him, but I knew it was going to be a rough night.

No man, we're a team. Just don't get mad at me if I start singing "My Favorite Things" to counter your depressing thoughts.

You wouldn't dare. I challenged.

He started singing.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes.

Snow flakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes.

Silver white winters that melt into springs, these are a few of my favorite things.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad,

I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad.

I swear I'm going to kill you. However I couldn't keep the chuckle in, I must admit that it did make me feel better. Even though he would know my thoughts I would beat him senseless if he ever admitted that the stupid song actually helped.

What song, I didn't sing anything. Quil countered, as he continued to hum.

Alright, I'm holding you too that.

The rest of the night was uneventful, the threat of Quil singing again worked at keeping my thoughts 'happy', or as happy as they were going to get. As the sun rose the following morning Seth and Leah came on and exchanged with us.

I got home in time for the Council meeting, which Sam wanted me to attend. My dad confirmed, through Charlie, that the official story is that Edward and Bella did go to Florida, however we had no idea what time she was expected so I was nominated to call. It was early, but I didn't look at the clock and heard Charlie's sleepy voice on the other side. Unfortunately he wasn't sure about Bella's flight information and said he would look for the information and call me back.

An hour later I still hadn't heard from Charlie so I gave him another call, he had fallen back asleep and would still have to get back to me. This pattern continued throughout the day, as one game after another kept distracting Charlie from finding the information that I needed. By evening I was extremely frustrated, sleep deprived with patrolling all night, and could not relax until I knew what was going on with Bella. Sam has the rest of the pack out training, so that we would be ready once confirmation was made of the treaty had been broken.

I picked up the phone again, I know it has only been 30 minutes since my last call, but she should be home by now. On the fourth ring I hear Bella's voice. "Hello?"

"You're back." I said, relieved that she was home.

There was a long pause and I thought maybe she was going to hang up on me. "Yes," she finally answered.

"Why didn't you call me?" I demanded.

"Because I've been in the house for exactly four seconds and your call interrupted Charlie telling me that you'd called." I could hear the irritation in her voice.

"Oh. Sorry."

"Sure. Now why are you harassing Charlie?"

"I need to talk to you."

"Yeah, I figured out that part all by myself. Go ahead."

Well it became clear that Bella was still human, but we still needed to meet with the Cullens regarding their actions the previous night. I took a moment and debated about going over now, but I was sure Sam would kill me for meeting Edward alone. He was furious with me last time I tried that, by now the treaty was too important to risk breaking because I couldn't keep myself together. The school would be a perfect place to remain calm and I knew Sam would let me meet him.

"You going to school tomorrow?" I asked.

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I?"

"I dunno. Just curious."

Crap I probably made the whole 'we-thought-you-became-a-vampire' theory too obvious.

"So what did you want to talk about, Jake?"

"Nothing really, I guess. I . . . wanted to hear your voice." I know that was a lame excuse, but it was all I could think to say at the time. And oh my goodness it was true, hearing Bella's voice was painfully sweet.

"Yeah, I know. I'm so glad you called me, Jake. I . . ."

"I have to go," I panicked. This was about to become way too much about me and Bella, and not about the pack, which is what it was suppose to be about.

"What?"

"I'll talk to you soon, okay?" I said as I hung up.

I darted outside, phased, and started running towards them, immediately they all saw my conversation.

Dammit! Paul and Leah said together.

What the hell? We don't want her to be changed. Embry replied, as I felt the growl rumble in my chest.

I swear I didn't mean it like that. Paul tried to justify. I just was ready for the fight.

After all the training, it would be good to actually use it. Jared added.

But not at Bella's expense. I reminded them.

I could care less about Bella. She has made her choice, now she will suffer the consequences. Leah scowled.

Fury grabbed hold of me like never before, and I was now just inches away from being able to tear her hamstring off.

Stop it, everyone! Sam commanded. Jacob's right. As much as we want to be ready for a fight, it is best if it never happens. I heard Paul and Leah grumbling to one another. None of us take the treaty being broken lightly, however Jacob, you need to remember that she IS making this choice.

Whatever. I huffed. Sam unless you object I'm meeting Cullen at their school tomorrow and we can work out a time to meet with the rest of them. We still need to address them crossing onto our land the other night.

Typically I wouldn't want to meet in such a public place, but in this case that will be fine, just make sure you hold yourself together.

I will. After that we were all dismissed and I went home and crashed. I would see Bella tomorrow morning at school and be able to get the whole mess straightened out with the Cullens.

FACTS:

- I do not know when Sam and Jacob talked about being alpha. It is stated that Sam offers to step down and Jacob refuses. Everything else about the pack feeling Jacob's alpha in him and following what he says is just my speculation. With alpha being genetic I believe they would feel it whether Jacob was the official "alpha" or not.

- The chase with Victoria I tried to make as accurate as possible, between Edward and Jacob they are pretty descriptive.

- I do not know how Jacob learned that Bella and Edward were in Florida, clearly he finds out not long after the chase with Victoria because he starts calling Charlie (starting at 6am) the following morning.

- 'My Favorite Things' – Sound of Music. Gotta love Quil!

- I don't know much about the Council, I just assume that Sam would have to meet with them before he could declare war on the Cullens, or anything major like that.

*** Important reminder: ALL conversations that Bella is present for will be either directly quoted or summarized from the book.