Chapter 2: First time in a century

Edward's POV

The next couple of months had passed by smoothly with no interference in our lives from anyone on the reservation. Bella said they kept away from the Swan's since the last time we saw them. Charlie went down to the reservation mostly to keep Billy company while Jacob looked for a part time job. I think Billy was trying to keep Jacob away from me. Carlisle informed me that the presence of vampires was what pushed the shifters to change into wolves. Maybe it was Billy's way of making sure that Jacob didn't change into one. The lesser interaction between the shifters and the resident vampires, the lesser chance of their turning. I suppose.

Not that I minded. I wasn't interested in befriending them anyway. The Quileutes were leery of us, Cullens. Even though, we've assured them numerous times that we never fed on humans. My life was complete, without them in it anyway. I had Bella and my family. There was nothing else that I needed or wanted.

My brothers, Emmett and Jasper and I, just came back from a hunting trip before we got ready for the spring dance. Alice had spent the day at Bella's getting her ready. It was with much reluctance and with a lot of convincing that she had agreed to let me take her. Bella had two left feet, and walking without her tripping on thin air was an accomplishment. She was right to be reluctant to go dancing. But, with me by her side, she wouldn't have much trouble dancing. I was there to take care of her. It was my job after all.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I was quick to answer it.

"Yes, Alice," I said into the mouth piece.

" We're ready for you. I'm leaving Bella's now."

" Okay. I'll be there in 5."

"Ok. Bye."

Whirling around the room, I grabbed everything I needed before heading down to the kitchen to get Bella's corsage. Alice had shown me the colour of Bella's dress so that I could get the exact match. After saying goodbye to Esme and Carlisle, I left for the Swan residence.


As I helped her into the car, Bella looked up at me, " I did mention that you looked very nice, didn't I?" she verified.

I smiled politely at her, " Yes. You did." I didn't see what the fuss was all about. I was only wearing a tux. Much like the rest of the guys from Forks High would.

" You know, I might have to ban Alice from my house if she keeps treating me like a guinea pig," she grumbled as she smoothed down the blue frilly, off shoulder dress. Bella hated been fussed over and changed into dresses that probably came from the runway in Paris or something. God knows where Alice got all these clothes from. After a few decades with her, I've learnt to stop grumbling and complaining about the clothes she bought us. And, I did mean us. All the boys were dressed mostly from Alice's shopping trips. Although Carlisle and Emmett got away with certain things, if their mates didn't approve. Jasper and I, however, were stuck. We were the only ones who didn't get an opinion about clothes.

It was sad. More for me than Jazz. He was after all, Alice's mate. To make her happy was his purpose. It didn't seem fair that I got the same treatment. Even if I knew, it was just her way of showing how much I meant to her.

Within minutes, we were pulling into the familiar parking lot of Forks high. I parked and helped Bella out of the car. Stilettos were deadly for this girl, I thought with a small smile.

An unusual scent caught my attention as the wind shifted and we made our way towards the school. It most certainly didn't belong to any students at this school. I would have noticed this...enchanting smell. Inhaling deeply, I secured my hold on Bella as I contemplated the different theories of who it might belong to. Something I didn't have to do much of as we approached the darkened sidewalk of the school.

Casually leaning against the walls of the building was a Quileute boy, with long glorious black hair that was ruffled by the soft wind. He was tall with a lanky build, and looked like he was approximately seventeen. His skin was beautiful; silky and russet-coloured. Dark brown eyes were set deep above prominent cheekbones, although he still had a hint of childish roundness to his face.

He was beautiful, I thought as we approached him.

Bella stood a little straighter as she watched the boy and smiled in recognition. I almost winced when she steered me towards him. The boy pushed himself off the wall, casually with a wide smile. His mind was very quiet as he watched my girlfriend and took in a well groomed Bella.

"Clean up good, Swan," he said with a smooth, pleasant voice. I frowned as I caught the smell coming off from him. That enchanting smell I smelt earlier was coming from him.

"Thanks, Jake," replied a flushed Bella.

Jake. As in Jacob? Jacob Black? This was Billy Black's son. Why didn't he smell like wet dog? Was he not a shifter yet? Why did he smell so good?

"This is Edward. Edward Cullen," introduced Bella.

When those deep brown eyes swung to meet mine, I thought the world had stopped. A rush of indescribable emotions ran through me and I knew the world as I knew it would never be the same.

"And, Edward. This is Jacob Black," added Bella. My eyes were still on his. I couldn't look away.

"Hi," he said with a smile, that would have knocked the wind out of me, if it was possible. He held out a hand in a friendly gesture and all I could do is stare at him, frozen on the spot.

His smile faltered and I immediately felt like the world's biggest jerk for hurting him. I felt like someone had reached inside and grabbed my intestines and wrapped it around my throat, choking me.

"Jacob," I breathed out. His name was like molten chocolate on my tongue. I reached out and shook his hand, with my trembling one. A jolt of lighting passed through me when my skin came into contact wit his. I stared at our joint hands; tanned against pale. His warmth seeped through me, in a way that Bella's never did; even thought he was still human. Not a shifter. Yet.

"So cold," ran through his mind and my eyes jumped back to his face again. I could read his mind. I didn't let go of his hand until he twisted it awkwardly in my palm and drew his hand back. Just like that, I felt a void. A void in my world. A void inside me.

Jacob's eyes met mine again and I felt the jolt of electricity run through my body one more time. He flushed beautifully as he stared at me, like he could read my thoughts.

"What's up, Jacob?" asked Bella with a smile. A warm smile split his face as he turned, almost reluctantly from me to face Bella. His thoughts were apologetic and a little embarrassed as he thought of what he wanted to tell her.

"Can I borrow her for a minute?" he asked tentatively, glancing at me. A huge part of me wanted to say no-I didn't want them to be together alone. I didn't want him to be alone with her. But, at the same time, I could hardly find it in myself to refuse him.

I nodded stiffly, trying hard to keep my expression blank.

"Thanks," he replied amiably before taking Bella's hand and leading her away from me, where I 'couldn't hear.'

A low growl ripped from my chest and Jacob glanced at me over his shoulders, gulping before turning back to Bella. Even though, I had no problem hearing their conversation, it bothered me that he thought he was with her. Alone.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bella tip her head backwards, even with her heels, to look up at Jacob, " Wow, Jake. How tall are you now?"

"Six-two," he replied proudly, with a grin.

"So, what are you doing here? Did you decide to crash?"

"Uhm...not exactly," he replied, slightly ashamed.

"Then?"

"My dad..." he said, looking down at his feet, "paid me to be here tonight," before meeting Bella's eyes. Even though it was innocent, I was completely jealous of the look he was giving her. Soft and tender. His eyes shone with honesty when he spoke and I stood there wishing it was my eyes he was looking into. It didn't help that I could hear his thoughts about Bella. He had a crush on her. Albeit minor. It didn't sit very well in my stomach. I didn't want him thinking about her. Or anyone else.

Bella scoffed lightly before saying, " I hope you have a good time then. Did you see anyone you liked?" she added teasingly.

Jacob blushed and he nodded softly. A snarl ripped through my lips at his thoughts.

"You look really pretty, by the way," he added shyly. The green eyed monster clawed my chest and I turned to glared in their direction. They, both, ignored me as they continued their conversation.

"Uhm, thanks," replied Bella, " so, why did Billy pay you to come here tonight?" I was immensely grateful at the change of subject. I didn't know how I was going to stand another thought of his childish crush on her, of all people. Jacob, however, didn't seem too happy about the diversion as I was.

"He said it was safe for me to talk to you here. Tonight," he said. With an embarrassed laugh, he added, " I think he's losing his mind." Bella joined his laughter weakly, but he had caught my attention. Even more so that he already had.

"He promised he would pay for the master cylinders I need for the rabbit," confessed Jacob with a grin, that took my unnecessary breath away. God, he was beautiful. His thoughts swam with pictures of an old red beat up Volkswagen. Somewhere in my mind, I heard Bella telling me that Jacob loved cars and he worked part time as a mechanic to make some cash.

"Tell me, then. I want to help you finish your car." He was building it himself. I was impressed.

"He..uhm...wants you to break with...him," he said, shamefully, looking over at me. I heard his heart speed up when his eyes met mine and I thought my heart would explode with warmth. I was glad that I wasn't the only one who seemed to be affected by this. Whatever this was between us.

Bella followed his gaze and looked at me too. I gave them a tight lipped smile. My stomach sank when I heard Jacob's thoughts. He thought I didn't like him. If only he knew how wrong he was.

"Are you mad?" he asked, turning back to Bella.

" I could never be mad at you, Jacob. I'm not even mad at Billy. I know he means well and he's just looking out for me. Just...just tell him I said 'thanks' and that he shouldn't worry. Edward is a perfect gentleman."

Jacob nodded, a little awkwardly.

"Oh no. There's more?"

Jacob nodded, a little upset. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I watched him, from the shadows that made my eavesdropping unapparent.

'What is it?"

"Forget it," he mumbled, looking away.

"Just spit it out, Jacob," cried Bella, glaring at him. From the shadows, I glared at her. I wasn't pleased with the way she was treating him.

" He said to warn you that...and I quote," he emphasized with air quotes, "'We'll be watching' and that was his plural. Not mine," he finished, warily.

Bella laughed and Jacob managed a small smile. A small beautiful smile. A smile that I felt myself responding to, I felt a small smile tug at the corners of my mouth as I watched him; ignoring the girl in the pink dress who was staring at me, hopefully.

"Sorry, you had to do this, Jake. Atleast, now you can finish your car."

"Yeah," he said sheepishly and grinned. I couldn't do it anymore, so I pushed myself off the wall and walked towards them. My eyes never wandering from Jacob's face. Sensing my eyes on him, he turned and met my eyes, flushing with embarrassment.

" I should go," he said softly, turning back towards Bella. My heart sank at his words. I wasn't ready to let him go.

"Why don't you come inside?" I said, before I could stop myself.

His eyes jumped back to me, and he stared at me, confusedly.

Bella grinned, "That's brilliant. Atleast this way, I won't have to dance. We can't leave Jacob alone."

Seeing as I didn't feel like dancing anymore, I nodded. Gazing deeply at Jacob, I hoped he would say yes.

" I should probably get back. Billy's waiting."

" Hey, he asked you to come," said Bella, " come on. You can get to know Edward and tell Billy a few things," with a wink. The beast in my chest hummed in agreement at the thought of getting to know Jacob Black.

He piqued my curiosity. He had made me growl at Bella. He made me jealous. I've never been jealous in my entire existence.

" You should stay, Jacob," I said softly, my eyes on his face. I didn't want him to leave. His heart thrummed against his chest, and his thoughts were muddled with confusion, seeing that the person who he thought didn't like him was the one who was also inviting him to crash the dance.

" I don't want to interrupt your night," he said, glancing between Bella and I.

"There's nothing to interrupt," I said, quickly, never pausing to analyze how that sounded. Bella glanced up at me curiously before nodding.

"Uhm," he said, debating with himself. "Alright then," he said as he finally relented.

I grinned as the monster in my chest let out a contented purr.


Maybe asking Jacob to come in hadn't been such a good idea, I thought as I watched him at the drinks table. Bella and him had gone to get drinks while I had pretended to go in search of my siblings to avoid drinking anything.

Of course with Bella being as popular as she was with the boys, they had been swarmed by admirers within minutes. The female population was suddenly very interested in chatting with Bella, in hopes of getting to know Jacob. As were some of the guys.

"Fuck," I swore, under my breath as I heard and watched a sophomore leer at Jacob. His eyes raked the boy's body. His thoughts were vile and I wanted to snap his neck, but instead I settled on fisting the bench I was sitting on.

And if that wasn't enough, I had to watch Jessica Stanley drool all over him. I hadn't had the chance to get to know him, yet, and these vultures were all surrounding him.

Growling under my breath, I pushed my way through to the drinks table.

"You should totally go to school here, Jake," said Jessica as she twirled a strand of her brown hair, leaning into Jacob as much as possible, looking up at him with adoring blue eyes.

"Uhm... I don't think my dad would let me," replied Jacob, unsure of what he did to warrant such attention from the students. He was, basically, on his own here, left to fend for himself as Bella chatted with Mike Newton.

"Jacob," I said, commanding everyone's attention to me as I approached him.

Warm, soulful brown eyes met mine, in surprise, " I want to introduce you to someone," I said, convincingly. I had no idea what I was doing and there was no one here I wanted him to meet. Except me, maybe. I wanted to get to know him. I wanted him for myself. My actions were puzzling but I had no time to dwell on them right now. I had to get him away from these people before I snapped any of their necks.

I hoped he had the good sense to go along with me. He stared at me, shocked. He, honestly had thought I disliked him and wanted him to leave.

"Oh. Okay," he said, a smirk pulling on the corners of his mouth as he understood, "excuse me, Jessica," he said, with a small smile to the girl who was still pressed against him.

"But, Jake," she cooed, batting her eyelashes at him, " you owe me a dance."

"Uhm...Maybe later?"

"You better keep that promise, Mister. I will come find you," she teased. I refrained myself from growling at her, especially since I knew she was not kidding. She was serious in her threat of coming to find him.

Untangling himself from her clutches, Jacob mumbled a 'bye' before following me. When we finally stopped in the hallway outside the gym, I turned around to face him. His hair was tucked behind his red ears. His cheeks were flushed in embarrassment and he glanced around us before meeting my eyes.

"Thanks," he said softly, blushing deeper if that was possible. My eyes swept his face, taking in every feature and every angle. I could myself getting warmer; something that was impossible for me. But, I just associated warm feelings to this boy and I barely knew him.

" You looked like you could have used some saving."

He laughed a deep, rich laugh that sent tingles down my spine. His eyes lit up and crinkled at the corners, " Yeah. She was relentless," he said in amusement.

I didn't realize that we were standing there, quietly until he said, " So..." glancing around the corridor.

I blinked and realized that I was staring at him.

"I'm gonna use the restroom," he said awkwardly. He was uncomfortable. I was a little disappointed that I was making him uncomfortable. I could only nod before he turned around on his heel and disappeared into the bathroom that was a couple of doors down.

" So, this is Jacob Black?" came a tinkling voice from behind me. A voice I've heard one too many times.

"You already know the answer to that question, Alice," I replied, turning around to face my sister.

She grinned at me, " Yes, I did."

" You like him," said my brother. With his honey coloured hair brushing against his collar, and golden eyes, he watched me. Jasper's scars, visible only to people with supernaturally good eyesight were a sign of his strength. Strength that always amazed and was probably the reason why I had been able to be around Bella for so long and still managed to control myself. He gave me strength and motivation. Apart from Alice, he was probably the one who understood me the most, due to his powers. Jasper was an empath, capable of feeling, manipulating and projecting emotions.

" I don't know. I..."

"If he stops you from forming sentences, then that's something," added Alice with a conspiratorial wink.

"Did you see something?" I asked. My curiosity was piqued. Alice never says or does something unless there's a good reason behind it. If she pushing me towards Jacob right now-not that she has too. I have this definite pull towards this boy-then her visions might have pushed her to do so.

"I think you should follow him, Edward," she said instead.

It was like she had read my mind. Before they had showed up, I had wanted to follow him. Just forget the wrongs and the rights and just go with my heart and my instinct. They were both telling me to pursue Jacob Black. I didn't know if it was a good idea or not. I didn't know anything, except for the fact that he brought out feelings I didn't know I possessed.

Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed the door was still firmly shut. Without saying anything, I turned around and marched over to the bathroom.


Author's Note:

This chapter gives a little more information of how the relationship between Edward and Jacob will progress. It's just a little different from all the other stories out there, I suppose. I should be updating fairly often, so keep checking. Feedback is always appreciated, so please review and let me know how you're liking the story.

Until the next time,

Lisa