TITLE: The Madness of Jacob Black

CHAPTER SIX

AUTHOR: Helen Taft

GENRES: Action/Adventure/Romance

PAIRING: Jacob Black/OC

SUMMARY: Would fate do this to me? I'd already suffered through several levels of hell with Bella, and now I might have imprinted on a crazy person. Come on! How is that fair?

DISCLAIMER: The Twilight saga belongs to Stephanie Meyer, as do all the characters. I'm just playing a little while. There is no infringement intended and no profit made.

CREDIT TO: Twilight Saga Wikia for helpful information on various topics. Supernatural for memory-challenged angels :-P

Author note (1): I have a confession. I posted chapter 5 too soon and hated it shortly after. I've done some editing to make it less twee, clichéd and sappy. Also to give Anna some backbone. :)

I think that's it except for the usual pleading for feedback at the end. Enjoy!

CHAPTER SIX

Sunday morning meant a steady amount of traffic heading to one of the eight churches in Forks. Luckily, we were going out of town and towards the easily missed turn-off to the Cullen's place. The weather was back to normal, raining in a steady downpour with early fog blanketing the road. Anna was in the passenger seat with Seth napping in the back. He'd been on patrol the night before so I cut him a break and let him sleep.

The atmosphere in the car was prickly. Anna had her arms crossed tight over her chest and was staring out of the side window. I sighed and said, "I don't get it. I thought you liked Carlisle, and Esme?"

"I do like Carlisle. He's a good person and he's helped me. I'm very grateful."

"So?" I prodded. "Why the hissy fit about going to his house?"

'Hissy fit' was overstating it, but I was trying to get a reaction I could work with, even temper would do. All I got for my efforts was a calm reply, "I don't see why we couldn't have done what Leah suggested. There's no need to go to the house."

"I don't have a good enough camera, or a computer for that matter, and it's just easier if you're there to work through the details with Edward." I scowled at the windscreen. "What else has Leah been saying to make you so leery of the Cullens?"

"Leah told me nothing. She's still not sure if she trusts me. I told you, I don't dislike the Cullens. I just prefer not to go to the house."

"Why, because of your dreams?"

"That's part of it."

I rolled my eyes, frustrated with the cryptic answers. "So, what's the rest of it?"

She shook her head, still refusing to look at me. "Never mind."

"Is it because Bella's there?" It was a shot in the dark, but Anna stiffened ever so slightly.

I shook my head in disbelief. "That's it, isn't it?"

Now I got a glare. "I said forget it, Jacob."

No way was I leaving it there. "Anna, I told you there's nothing like that between Bella and me anymore. That's all gone."

"And I believe you. I just think a little distance for a while wouldn't hurt," she said stiffly.

"But, it's not necessary."

She gave me a narrowed-eyed stare. "As I said, forget it."

Damn. That went well—not. I tightened my hands on the steering wheel. I wanted her happy and I wanted her safe. Happy or safe? Safe won without a contest. Anna needed documents. The conflict had my own temper simmering. "Look, just do me a favour and behave when we get there. Edward is doing your ID and I don't want to piss him off—especially when there's no reason."

"You're the boss. I'm just a passenger—with no choice."

My grip on the steering wheel got to breaking point. Breathing slowly, I relaxed my fingers and shut my mouth. The rest of the drive was silent. I parked up in my usual spot in front of the entrance. I refused to use the garage on principal. The Cullens were okay, I even liked a few of them, but I wasn't too happy that they'd assigned me my own parking space in their mall-sized garage. I wasn't one of them. Never would be.

Bella opened the door and stepped out on the porch. She had a big smile for me and Seth, but it faded when it came to Anna. The two of them looked each other up and down with a penetrating stare that didn't bode well. Anna looked away first and I couldn't tell what she was thinking. Great. The last thing I wanted to end up doing was acting as referee between the two of them. Bella saw my disgruntled glare and shrugged apologetically as we walked up the steps to the porch.

"Hey, Jake…Seth." Her red eyes flicked to the girl just behind me and she said, "Hi Anna."

"Hi," said Anna shortly. She towered over Bella and kept her hands shoved into the pockets of my leather bomber jacket. Because of her height, clothing was still an issue.

Seth bounded up at the rear and said cheerfully, "Hey Bella. Lookin' good. How's it going?"

She ruffled his hair affectionately. "We're okay. It's great to see you."

When she turned to me, I said, "Hey, Bells," and pulled her into a one-armed hug, taking the opportunity to whisper in her ear. "Behave."

Bella hugged me back, gently given her new super-strength, and then pulled away, her lips twitching in amusement. "Always do."

"Sh'yeah, tell that to Edward," I teased, enjoying the ease I felt around her now. It was nice not to be wallowing in bitter misery. It finally felt possible that we could turn back the clock and be friends again, and that was something to celebrate. I just needed Anna to relax first.

Bella's smile widened. "I'll let you tell him. We're all here, waiting."

I wrinkled my nose. "All of you?"

She led the way inside, saying over her shoulder, "Yep. Even Rosalie and Jasper were curious enough to stay in the house. Everyone wants another look at your new, erm, friend."

"Fantastic," I said under my breath. I kept my hand on Anna's waist and gestured for Seth to enter first.

I heard Seth taking a deep breath before crossing the threshold and I did the same. It was a useless gesture, but one I couldn't help. I kept hoping it would help me get accustomed to the reek, or filter it some. We followed Bella up to the first floor lounge. She hadn't been kidding about the whole clan being present. As usual they looked like the cast from TV show about beautiful people. Even the house looked like an expensive movie set.

Carlisle came forward. "Welcome back. It's good to see you all."

He meant it, and so did I when I said, "Thanks for offering to help with this."

"We're glad to help," said Edward with a smile. "You've helped us enough in the past."

"This doesn't count as a favour returned, though," added Esme speaking to Anna. "We're honoured to help in any way we can."

Of course they were, Anna must seem like the Holy Grail to Carlisle. Plus, she'd ended any concerns about whether they have souls, since she could see them.

Anna unfrosted enough to smile and say, "I know you do and I appreciate it."

"So," I said to Esme. "What names have you got for Anna?"

Over by the wall of windows, Emmett snorted, deeply amused, and I knew I was in for another name-game session in the Cullen House. Esme smiled brilliantly. "My maiden name was Platt, and my middle name was Anne, so what about Anna Platt?"

"It doesn't have to be an actual family name, does it?" asked Alice, breaking in, "Not so long as we build the relationship and the history properly."

"No it doesn't," said Edward. "But Esme has all of her family birth and death records and an intimate knowledge of that family tree. It's an excellent basis for faking someone's identity."

"Sounds like a plan," I commented. Rosalie pulled face, but I didn't see a problem. Platt was okay and it could have been a lot worse. Blondie could take a hike. I turned to Anna. "What do you think? Anna Platt sound okay to you?"

Anna nodded, still avoiding my gaze. "It's fine. I like it. How long will it take to produce these false documents?"

"Not long at all," said Edward, bowing slightly in that old-world way of his that always made me feel like a lumbering Neanderthal in comparison. "If you'll come with me, we'll take the photographs and get started."

I watched Anna follow Edward and wondered if I should go with them. I was firmly in the dog house, but it didn't change the fact that Anna took 'blunt' to a whole new level. There was no guessing what she could say to Edward. I took a few steps, meaning to follow, then I heard the patter of little footsteps from the floor above. I braced, knowing what was coming. Nessie leapt over the balcony with a joyful, 'Jake', and I caught her in my arms. "Hey, kiddo. Nice jump. I bet your dad hates you doing that, huh?"

Nessie bounced in my arms. "Yup. We gonna hunt today, Jake?"

"Not to today, but soon. Scouts honour."

When I looked back at the staircase, Anna and Edward were both gone from view.

~0~

After an hour, I was rethinking the notion and considering hunting them up. I didn't get the chance.

"Anna thinks I used you, doesn't she?" asked Bella, joining me on the corner suite I was sprawled on. Everyone else had drifted off elsewhere, including Seth.

Ugh. I did not want to be having this conversation. With my head resting on the back of the couch, I turned just enough to say firmly, "Leave it, Bella. We both know the truth."

She ignored me, as per usual. "Yes, we do, and she's right, I did use you. I knew it then and I know it now."

Straws and the back of camels came to mind. I threw up my hands. "Will you just stop with the guilt-fest! What is it with you two today?"

"So, I'm right. Anna blames me."

I worked up a good glower and poked a thumb into my chest. "I decided to do what I did, not you. I wouldn't have listened if you'd told me to take a hike; not last year with the damn new-born army, or last month with Sam. I took a stand and it wasn't just about you, okay. You're not to blame for the crapshow that was my life, I was."

"I know it wasn't just about me," said Bella, stung. "You were doing what was right, but it doesn't change the fact that I should have been more honest—"

"You never lied to me."

"No, I didn't lie, but I could have been stronger and refused to let you stick around in my life. It wasn't fair to keep needing you, leaning on you like I did. It gave you false hope, and I knew it even when I was doing it. That's why I feel guilty."

"I knew the score, Bells. I just refused to accept it. You can beat yourself up about it, but it would have taken a lot to make me leave you—and you're not the kind of person who could have been mean enough to manage it. Me, yes. You, no."

"Maybe not," Bella sighed, she started to pick at the threads of a tapestry throw. "So, how's it going between the two of you?"

"Why are you jealous?"

She gave me a small, rueful and tip-tilted smile that reminded me that I did still love her, just in a different way. "I warned you I would be," she reminded me, "I still haven't decided if she's good enough for you."

"Let me know when you make up your mind." I grimaced. "And to answer your question, it was going good until this morning. She didn't want to come, meaning I had to insist, so now she's pissed at me for ignoring her and forcing her hand."

"In that case I don't wonder that she's pissed at you," Bella didn't offer any comfort. "You're big in trouble, Jake."

"Yeah, don't I know it."

"I could help. If she thinks I'm a threat, I could talk about how much I love Edward. She'd soon get the picture."

I sat up, resting my elbows on my knees. "She's not jealous, Bella. She's protective, which is just ridiculous. I think she worries I'm going to start pining for you again or something."

"That's nuts," said Bella after a pause. "Haven't you told her about you imprinting on her?"

Hah. "Don't even go there. She wasn't happy about that either. She's scared, Bella. She's hiding it, but she's scared."

"And you're her rock, just like you were mine. No wonder she hates my guts. I would in her place. If she loses you then she's got nothing else to cling on to." Bella reached over and squeezed my hand, her touch cold and impossibly hard. "Go easy on her, Jake. It's not nice feeling that lost—I know."

We both heard a noise and looked up. The balcony to the upper floor was directly over our heads. Anna was standing beside a poker-faced Edward. "We're finished," he said smoothly. "Anna now has all she needs to prove she's Anna Katherine Platt."

Bella aimed a glare. "Nice. How long have you been standing there?"

Edward looked entirely too innocent. "We just got here."

Yeah. Right. Says the master manipulator.

He hadn't counted on Anna, though.

She lifted a brow and looked at him, saying, "We've been here for a quite a while. You rushed me out here and then stopped me from speaking so we could eavesdrop on most of their conversation. I let you because I was interested."

That's my girl.

~0~

Big surprise, Alice had been shopping. Being Alice Cullen she'd used any excuse to seriously indulge. We left with a car full of clothes for Anna, with the black-haired midget swearing 'cross her heart' that she was an excellent judge of size and everything would fit.

Actually, I believed her. I just had my doubts about Alice's taste in designer clothing helping Anna to fit in on the reservation. I couldn't help wondering if lingerie was included. Bad thoughts. I tossed them out and hoped the mind-reading leech that was Edward hadn't caught my slip. I was out of luck. He smirked, making me want to plant my fist in his face.

Anna had no such doubts, they were clothes, end of story. I didn't say a word. I wanted out of the dog house. By the time we set off, Seth shared the back seat with a mountain of shopping bags.

The journey back was every bit as quiet, if a lot less tense. Anna was preoccupied and Seth fell asleep again. We were a few minutes away from my house when I spotted Leah standing in the middle of the road. She didn't look happy. Anna saw her too and I shrugged at her silent question. I braked and Leah stepped aside until I'd pulled over and then came up to my window.

She didn't wait for me to ask. "The cops are at your house. They're asking questions about Anna."

Panic squeezed my chest. "What kind of questions?" I asked.

"Full name, social security number, permanent abode. Blah blah blah. Then the question of why she's living with Emily when she isn't related, or even Quileute. They went to Emily's first and didn't like the non-answers she could give."

Crap. "What did my dad say?"

Seth woke up then, stretching and rubbing his eyes. "Hey, wassup?"

"Shut up," Leah and I said in tandem.

"Leah, what—"

She cut me off. "Billy's told them she's a friend of the family and visiting, and because your house is full, Emily is putting her up. They know about her connection to the Cullen's through Chief Swan and they're suspicious. It doesn't help that Billy couldn't give them a full name. Hell, if your dad wasn't an elder and on the council, I'd say you'd be in deep Ca-ca. As it is, they're being patient. Did you get her papers?"

"Yes, they're here." Anna held up the envelope containing her passport, bank cards and driver's license. "Is Billy in trouble because of me?"

I answered before Leah could spew her usual pessimism. "He'll be fine. We can handle this." To Leah I said, "Thanks for the heads-up. Take Seth with you. I'll catch you later."

Leah stepped out of the way as her brother climbed out of the back. Once they were clear, I got the Rabbit moving again.

"It's lucky you didn't listen to me about today," said Anna in a tight voice.

I glanced at her. She was as white as ghost and her pallor made her hair seem redder in contrast. "You don't have to worry. Edward created a history for you as well as the ID. Anyone looking at you will find everything they expect."

Golden eyes glowed with fear. "I'm not allowed to be here though am I? Will they take me away again?"

"No!" It came out harsher than I'd meant it to so I tried again. "Billy is on the council and the others know about you." I sent a silent thanks to my dad for insisting they be informed. "This is just the cops stomping around and saving face. They can't take you away because you have permission from the elders to live on the reservation."

And if the tribal cops didn't like it, tough.

When we reached the house, I pulled up outside the garage doors instead of the house. There was a familiar SUV parked in my usual spot. My spine heated up and I could feel the tremors working through my shoulders and down my arms. The anger in my gut was getting hotter, not calmer. I sat in the car, still gripping the wheel and took deep, even breaths. I needed to be calm, ripping a cop's head off would be a seriously bad move.

"Jacob—?" Anna reached over and touched my arm.

"I'm okay. Just angry. I don't think phasing would be a great idea."

"Probably not," she agreed with a small smile.

I tried to think. "When we get in the house, don't hand them any ID straight away. If they ask for it, and they will, just give them the driver's license, not the passport. People don't usually wander around with their passport unless they're at an airport."

"I understand." Anna leaned over and kissed me. "I'm not afraid now. I know this will work out okay, and I'm sorry I've been angry all morning."

I curled my fingers around her nape and kissed her back, lingering for a second against soft lips and warm breath. "I deserved it." I cracked open my door. "Let's get this over with."

We walked to the house hand in hand. The front door swung open as we approached and a heavy-set cop stood framed there. "Jacob Black?"

Keep it simple I told myself. "Yeah." This cop I recognised as the La Push equivalent of Charlie. He looked older with silvery grey hair down to his shoulders and pock-marked skin. In fact, that same skin looked like it would crack if he smiled.

"Come in, son. We've been waiting for your friend there."

He held the door open, like I needed permission to enter my own home. I squeezed Anna's hand and tried not to grind my teeth. I'd planned to play dumb, but changed my mind, it would come off as defensive, and I didn't want that. "So I hear," I said as I passed him. "Isn't it lucky we're here to clear things up?"

Billy was in his chair in the middle of the living room. His eyes met mine and I saw the anxious question there. I nodded and watched as relief relaxed his expression.

Billy's smile was genuine. "Hey Jake. Hey Anna." He nodded at the cop. "Daniel here has some questions for Anna. He says there's been a complaint about an unauthorised residency."

"Anna's residency here is authorised," I told the cop, it was an effort not to snarl. "The council know about her and gave permission."

The asshole's black eyes were cold. "So your dad says, but I still have some questions, such as why no one seems to know even the most basic of information about her."

Anna spoke up. "It's okay, Jacob. I don't mind answering his questions." She locked eyes with him. "What is it you want to know?"

"Why don't you take a seat and I'll run through some questions." He took out a pad and pen while Anna walked over to the couch and sat down. "Let's start with your full name?"

"Anna Katherine Platt."

"Date, and place of birth?"

"November eighteenth, nineteen ninety two in Columbus, Ohio. Do you want the name of hospital where I was born?"

"No, Ma'am that won't be necessary, not this time, anyway. You don't sound like someone from Ohio." His smile didn't reach those black eyes. "In fact, you don't even sound American."

If I'd had time to think I'd have worried about Anna coping with an interrogation like this. I needn't have bothered. She sat still and perfectly calm. "I've spent a lot of time abroad. My parent's travelled around a lot."

"I guess that explains that. All right, explain your relationship to Doctor and Mrs Cullen?"

"Esme Cullen is a distant cousin and this is my first visit."

"Except you're not living with them, but with Emily Young here in La Push?"

Anna nodded. "That's right."

"Why is that?"

"Because I've been given the protection of the tribe and this house is full."

"Is that so? Why do you need our protection? Are you running from something?"

"I don't need police protection, I need Jacob's and Billy's" she threw a smile at Billy, "and I'm afraid the reason why is a private matter."

"It's not private if I'm asking, Ma'am."

"It is if the council says it's a private matter," interrupted Billy. "I told you she has permission to live here, Daniel. It is not within your remit to insist on the reasons behind our decisions."

Daniel didn't like that. He ignored Billy and went back at Anna. "Do you deny that you were found in an indigent state just a few days ago and taken to Chief Swan in Forks?"

That was it! My temper snapped. I crossed my arms and said in a quiet voice, "Don't you mean one of your cops found an injured, confused girl and dragged her off the reservation like a criminal."

"That's not quite how my officer's report reads, son."

I curled my lips back in a smile that showed my teeth. "Oh, I bet it doesn't. Probably, because he wasn't there when I took her to the hospital in Forks."

He didn't have an answer for that, so he ignored it. It was a tactic he used a lot. "I'll need to see some identification, Ma'am."

"Will a driver's license do?"

He frowned, surprised. "That'll do nicely."

Anna took her brand-new fake license out of the inside pocket of my jacket and handed it over.

Daniel took it and examined it closely. He handed it back after a moment with a tight expression. "I will be doing a background check, Billy. I take it that is still within my remit as chief of police?"

Billy didn't take the bait. "It is."

"Are you satisfied now?" I asked, not even trying to hide my sarcasm.

He returned my earlier smile with his own. "Don't give me attitude, son. I hear you're no longer running with Sam Uley."

It wasn't a question. My brows drew together. "Yeah, so?"

"So nothing. Just making an observation. See you around Billy," He nodded to Anna. "Ma'am. You all have a good day now."

He was at the door before I asked a question of my own. "Who made the complaint?"

He turned back, "Excuse me?"

"You said someone complained. I asked you who."

"If the caller had left a name I wouldn't be at liberty to tell you, but it was an anonymous tip." He returned my stare. "Be good, Jacob Black. I'm watching."

~0~

There was no privacy in my house or Emily's. We went for a walk in the forest with Anna borrowing Rachel's walking boots and wearing a new waterproof coat with fur trimming around the hood. When we reached a sheltered spot under the thickest part of the tree canopy I sat on a giant, exposed root and tugged Anna down next to me.

"I have to go to school tomorrow," I said. "If I miss any more even the council won't be able to persuade them to let me graduate."

"Your teachers don't know about your other duties?" asked Anna. She put her arm through mine and shifted closer to my warmth.

"No, only the council and the packs know the truth, and now you. It's a secret."

"Okay. You don't have to worry about me. I can keep myself entertained."

"You sure?" I asked solemnly, hiding my smile. "I could ask Leah to keep you company."

"I'll be fine, and I'll ask Leah myself if I feel the need for company. I don't need a babysitter."

"Yeah, but Leah could take you into Port Angeles if I let her use the Rabbit," I dangled the bait and waited for her reaction. "She could show you around."

Anna saw right through me. "You want me off the reservation, why?"

"It's not that, I just prefer you didn't hang around my house with Billy out fishing, or Emily's with just the two of you. I just figure that if you're not easy to find, you can't be hassled."

"You're worried about that policeman," she guessed.

"Not so much, more uneasy. I can't really explain it." I sighed, disgruntled. "I wish we knew who the anonymous caller was. I like knowing who my enemies are."

"Will you worry less if I go to this Port Angeles with Leah?" She swivelled to swing her leg over the root, facing me fully with warmth luminous in her eyes. She'd go if I asked. Something vital and powerful trembled in my chest.

I matched the move, pulling her closer and draping her legs over my thighs. "Yes," I said the word against her lips. Her palms came up to cup my jaw and she tilted her head to kiss me softly; once, twice, three times. I fisted my hand in her hair and kissed her with a greed that had her sinking against me. There was no need to hold back, no barriers with Anna. Her hands stroked and clung to my back, then ran up my arms to grip my shoulders to give her the purchase she needed to match my hunger. When the need for air broke us apart it was Anna's hands in my hair that pulled me back for more.

TBC

I can't say it enough, thank you again for the feedback and reviews. It really, totally does make a difference in giving support and encouragement. Everyone who left signed reviews should have received a response off me. As I can't message unsigned reviews, I'd like to thank Jakefan and RJM for their feedback.

I hope you're still enjoying the story and would love to know your thoughts. I'm going through a stressful house move at the moment (don't you just love the timing of my muse—it chooses now to throw me into my first fandom for over 3 years). All feedback received with gratitude and virtual chocolate. Helen X