Chapter Three

The October air had just recently swept into Forks, bringing with it a layer of colorful foliage. Forks in the fall was a beautiful sight for tourists and residents alike.

"So you and Griffin the Vampire Slayer are hunting wolves this weekend, huh?" Jacob asked, as he and Nessie walked slowly along their favorite path in the woods.

"Yeah, don't forget to warn the pack," Nessie replied.

"Don't worry, the woods will be spotless," Jacob assured her. "Though I don't think that kid would know what to do with himself if he did spot one of us."

"He might not be able to hurt you, but he does own a camera," Nessie teased.

"Oh wow - now I'm scared," Jacob mocked, causing Nessie to laugh.

"Be nice," she scolded.

"I swear, Nessie. You hang around the weirdest people," Jacob said.

"Look who's talking," Nessie retorted.

"Oh, that's it!"

Nessie shrieked with laughter as Jacob rushed into the trees to phase into his wolf form. She instantly dashed off into the woods, gaining a head start. But the giant russet wolf was on her trail in no time.

Nessie quickly ducked sideways between some trees. It did not take Jacob long to catch on, and he was behind her again almost instantly. She screamed, running off again. Jacob was too fast for her - he caught up in less than a minute, grabbing the back of her uniform and tossing her gently into the leaves. He pounced on her, snarling viciously.

Nessie burst out laughing, and Jacob was quick to phase back so he could join her.

"Jake!" Nessie choked out, as her laughter died down. "I haven't had that much fun in ages."

"It's because we don't see each other enough any more," Jacob insisted. He added a pout for dramatic effect.

"I know," Nessie sighed, offering a sympathetic grin. "I miss our time together too."

"Then forget school, and come back!" Jacob whined, as he began to twiddle absently with a strand of Nessie's hair.

"It's not that easy," Nessie insisted, "and besides - I don't want to quit school."

"Don't you miss me?" Jacob asked, his lower lip jutting out sadly.

"Of course I miss you," Nessie replied. "But I really love meeting all these new kids, and getting to be in classes, and participating in things like poetry and choir. It's all so amazing. I can't believe you gave it up."

"It's not that amazing after ten years," Jacob insisted. "You never had to endure middle school."

"You don't know how much I wish I could experience freshman year, or middle school, or kindergarten," Nessie said longingly.

"Well... there's always freshman year of college," Jacob pointed out. Nessie sighed.

"It looks like that's all I'll ever get to experience of college," she muttered.

"I bet it gets boring after that anyways," Jacob said. Nessie smiled.

"You're the best, Jake," she said.

"I do what I can," Jacob replied with a shrug. Nessie giggled, as she casually reached up and ran her hand down Jacob's warm, bare chest.

They were suddenly both aware of the rest of Jacob's very warm, very unclothed body, as he leaned over Nessie. They were frozen, staring into each other's eyes curiously for a moment, as if contemplating...

Jacob took the plunge, smashing his lips hungrily onto Nessie's. She responded immediately, and they fell into a perfect rhythm, their lips and bodies matching in harmony.

"Jacob..." Nessie uttered softly, as Jacob began to kiss her neck.

Jacob looked up, grinning widely at the exact sound that had invaded his dreams for the past several months. His smile caused Nessie's heart to pound with joy.

"I love you," she whispered, smiling brilliantly up at Jacob. He was beaming as he gazed back.

"You're my entire world," he replied, continuing to kiss her neck and shoulders. "I will do anything to make you-"

Suddenly Nessie let out a horrified scream, leaping away from Jacob, a look of terror on her face.

Jacob was immediately on alert as he rushed to her side, forming a protective stance between her and whatever it was that was causing her pain.

"Dad!" Nessie cried suddenly.

Now Jacob's eyes widened in terror, and he ran faster than ever before to reach the spot where he had left his clothing.

By the time Jacob returned, Edward was already in the clearing. He had grabbed Nessie by the arm, and was dragging her back towards the Cullens' home.

"Dad!" Nessie cried.

"A simple walk with your mother, that's all I wanted," Edward was ranting angrily. "I just thought a nice stroll in the woods would be relaxing, we could enjoy each other's company..."

"Dad," Nessie moaned.

"And suddenly all I can see is Jacob practically salivating all over you!" Edward was shouting now, as he dragged Nessie forcefully through the leaves.

"Dad, we were just-" Nessie began.

"I don't want to know!" Edward cried.

"Edward!"

Jacob had run after them, now stepping quickly before Edward, who came to a screeching halt, his eyes wide with fury.

"You," he growled. "Stay away from my daughter!"

"Dad, come on," Nessie groaned.

"No," Edward snapped. "I do not want you two anywhere near each other within the next twenty-four hours."

"Look, I'm really-" Jacob began, but Edward merely swung Nessie behind him, glaring at Jacob.

"Go home, Jacob," he commanded. "Nessie will be visiting Charlie for the rest of the weekend."

Edward tugged Nessie's hand, and they disappeared in a flash. Jacob stared after them for a moment, but they were long gone. He sighed.

Spending a Friday night with Billy was never too enthralling.