Jacob feared that everything was too good to be true. He sat casually at the dinner table as Esme served dinner for him and Bella. He was even smiling as everyone gathered to join them at the table. Things had become easier for Jacob as well for Edward. That though probably had to do with the fact that many things were unsaid. Jacob still felt confused about his feelings and felt alone in that department. He couldn't bring himself to tell anyone that he might actually like Edward more than a friend especially not when he wasn't sure himself. All he knew for sure was that he felt content at the moment.

"Jacob, you should bring your pack over sometime" Esme commented silencing the whole table

"I don't think that would be a good idea" He answered honestly

"It wouldn't hurt to ask. Maybe we could build a relationship" Carlisle added

"One that could benefit us all" Jasper said

Jasper had made it clear to Jacob that he wanted some type of alliance between the pack and them. He wanted something more reliable than what they had. Jacob seemed interested as well, but these kinds of things weren't up to him. He knew Sam would need more convincing before he allianced the pack with the Cullens.

"I can talk to Sam about it, but I can't promise anything" Jacob said

"Of course" Carlisle said understandingly

"I think it will happen" Alice said smirking as she tapped her forehead

"How would you know? You can't see us" Jacob said

"Exactly. This Saturday there is a big empty gap between one and five in the afternoon" She said

"So there is no point in asking. Its a must?"

"No. The future isn't set in stone, but that's what I see right now"

"Well, I guess I'll have to plan for that what if" Esme said cheerfully as she got up taking Jacob's plate with her

"Well, I'm off. Please make yourself at home" Carlisle said joining Esme at the kitchen

"Hey, how good are you at arm wrestling?" Emmett pitched in

"In human form against a vampire? I'm pretty sure I would be kissing my arm good bye" Jacob said causing Alice to laugh

Jacob found it quite easy to make Alice laugh. She simply enjoyed his very straightforward comments that weren't meant to be humorous. He liked it though because sometimes he did try. Most of the time Jacob found himself actually trying to build a relationship with each of the Cullens.

"We won't know unless we try" Emmett teased as he pulled up his sleeve getting ready

"How about you let me shift and I'll play with my mouth?"

"So you can chew on it like a chew toy? I don't think so"

"Then we agree. We both want to keep our arms" Jacob said smirking

Rosalie even laughed at that one. Out of all the Cullens Jacob was surprised about his relationship with Rosalie. After a couple of stories that Bella had told him he was most weary of her, but she was shockingly neutral towards him. Even Jasper had taken an interest in him, but it mostly came from his interest in Jacob's Quileute stories.

"Hey, what happened to Bella and Edward?" Jacob asked as he noticed that they were gone

"They went up to his room" Alice said looking at him almost pitifully.

They always did this though. When ever Edward and Bella would disappear they would pay extra attention to Jacob as to distract him. They didn't know that even though he did feel pain it hurt him more when they looked at him with pity. It made him feel like he was a baby to be looked after.

"Oh. Well, I have to get going anyways" He said getting up

"You don't have to go" Alice said pleadingly

"I know I don't have to, but I have patrolling duties tonight" He explained

"Now that you mentioned that. Do you have any news on the vampires?" Jasper asked

"No. They seem to have left already. We haven't spotted that vampire from last time or smelled any in our area"

"So, it was probably some drifter" Jasper said

"Good. I don't think I could handle another situation like last time" Rosalie said complaining

She referred to the incident with James. Jacob had heard that story from Bella awhile back when he questioned her about the bite mark on her wrist. He didn't like thinking about it though. It made him mad to know that there was also someone else willing to give their life for Edward. The idea of Bella ready to die for Edward made him sick. He felt like he was the only with that right. Aside from mad it made him sad. How could he compete against someone who had already risked their life for Edward? And worse of all Edward for them?

"Yeah because staying in Forks away from the danger was so hard on you" Alice said appalled

"Actually yes it was. Half of my family and my husband left and I didn't know if you would all return home safe. So, yes I believe it was hard on me" Rosalie said storming off

"I thought she was in good terms with Bella already?" Jacob commented quietly as Emmett chased after her

"She is, but somethings are hard to get over. I shouldn't have pushed her. Can you excuse me?" Alice asked

"Oh! Don't worry about me. Go on" Jacob said surprised at her sudden politeness

He couldn't help, but feel a little responsible for their argument.

"I shouldn't have said anything" Jacob solemnly said to Jasper as they stood alone in the dinning room

"It's not your fault. It's nothing to worry about" Jasper reassured him as he gave Jacob's shoulder a tight squeeze

"I should get going"

"Have a safe trip home" Jasper said before walking out the dinning room

That left Jacob alone. He hesitated for a moment before making up his mind. He took a right turn and instead of heading toward the door he went up the stairs. He didn't know which room was Edward's, but he was betting on Edward meeting him halfway. He turned into the hallway and Edward stood there waiting for Jacob.

"Uh... I just wanted to say good-bye" Jacob explained

"Alright. See you"

Jacob suddenly felt a strange feeling at the pit of his stomach. He stood there for a minute taking in Edward's cold good-bye. He felt like a nuance to Edward. He was obviously imposing on Edward yet here he was. That's how he felt, like nothing. He once again felt like crumbling to the floor in despair.

Why hadn't I noticed how much of a nuance I was? Jacob thought as walked down the stairs

"Wait..." Edward said stopping Jacob right at the door

"Huh?..."

"Look, I know I haven't been really welcoming. I'm sorry I left it's just that Bella..."

"You don't have to explain yourself. Bella's your girlfriend. I understand where I stand" Jacob said trying to control his trembling voice

"That's not the point. If you want to spend time with me you just have to say so. I don't want you to get the shit end of the stick either" Edward said which almost made Jacob laugh at his language.

He wasn't used to Edward cursing or at all being unproper. Aside from that though Jacob had a choice to make. He could either be straightforward with Edward or he could just leave things as they are. He was scared to ask more of Edward in fear that he would leave. Then again the idea of leaving things how they were made him sad. It was time for him to be a little selfish.

I'm sorry Bella Jacob thought as he contemplated what he was about to do.

He didn't want to hurt her. She was one of the reasons why he was on the sidelines. He didn't want to do what Sam had done to Leah. He wasn't though. He simply wanted to get to know Edward the man he would be forever attached too.

"I want us to get to know each other" Jacob said

"That's makes sense. I would like to get to know you too" Edward replied

"Can we meet at the treaty line tomorrow?" Jacob asked crossing his fingers

Edward remained silent in deep thought. He had to consider Bella in all of these. Yet, he was the one who had stopped Jacob. He had to make an effort though. Even though he didn't want to admit it he was very much aware of Jacob as he was of him.

"Okay. I'll be there" Edward finally said

"See you tomorrow then. I really have to go" Jacob said

"See you then" Edward replied

Jacob closed the front door behind him and sprinted away from Edward's house. He had a mile wide smile as he ran at his fullest speed bursting into a wolf. He dodged tree after tree until he reached La Push. He couldn't control this sudden jolt of giddiness he felt as he reached Seth who was already in wolf form. Jacob tackled Seth playfully who gladly went along with it. They wrestled for a bit until Leah stepped in.

I swear. Why do I always get stuck with you too? She whined

Because we're the only ones that tolerate you Seth thought earning him a bite on the ear from Leah

Since the drifter vampires were gone. The patrolling had gone down a notch, but they still were on alert in case they came back. Tonight Jacob and the others only patrolled for a couple of hours allowing Jacob to actually fall asleep when it was still night time.

So, how is it with Edward? Seth questioned

It's fine Jacob thought not trying to say too much. His thoughts though betrayed him as they showed his real agony over the whole situation.

That sucks Seth pitched in feeling his pain

Bella must be really showing you your place Leah thought as she bumped Jacob taking the lead

What do you mean my place? Jacob growled

Really? You don't know? Leah thought in disbelief

Just spill it Jacob thought

How do I put this in simple form? Leah teased

Really? Jacob thought annoyed

Suddenly, Leah didn't have to explain herself. Her memories projected into Jacob's and Seth's minds as she remember her relationship with Sam. They got glimpses of Leah openly showing Emily that Sam was hers by making Emily feel like an outcast. Leah pulling Sam away from Emily at any given moment because she could as his girlfriend. Leah's gleeful feelings towards Emily's unhappiness.

Love makes you do thinks that you never thought you would Leah simply thought

Jacob didn't know what to think of that. Was that what Bella was doing to him now? It didn't make sense though. Bella never pulled Edward away from him not that Edward and him actually spend any time together. He was usually with the others. Not once had Jacob seen Bella do a malice act towards him openly.

Exactly, openly Leah commented

How do you even know?

Because unlike me Bella has more class. She's obviously punishing you by not giving you and Edward any time. She sees the others liking you and so what does she do? Take Edward away from you. I see Jealousy. Leah thought

I don't know...

I see it. It makes sense dude. From your thoughts we can tell that not all of Edward's family have a relationship with her and you do. That must hit a sore spot for her. Seth thought

Bella wouldn't...

Jake! You need to stop seeing Bella as the innocent girl that you used to love. Right now she's a girl in love and you happen to be a rival. That makes girls do crazy things Leah thought frustrated

Jacob didn't know what to think and he didn't want to think. He didn't need more people weighing in on his thoughts. Leah scoffed at Jacob's thoughts, but remained surprisingly quiet. They ran the perimeters for awhile occasionally going deep into the wilderness between Canada and Washington. The dangers were all too real, but as a small tribe they didn't have any real enemies. Jacob wasn't sure if the Cullens were still considered their enemy, but he hoped not.

Damn, you've become a real pussy Paul complained

Hey, Embry Jacob thought purposely ignoring Paul which no one had a problem with.

Sup. We're having a pack meeting tomorrow. Sam told us to let you guys know Embry thought

With that Jacob, Leah and Seth retreated. They all phased back near trees where they left piles of clothes to change into. Jacob zipped up his jeans just as Leah and Seth meet up with him.

"I parked my car down by the beach. I'll give you a ride" Leah said

"Thanks" Jacob said

The conversation still hung over them. Leah essentially had called Jacob a bitch and he wasn't sure if he was offended or mad at himself for not realizing it before. Then again he wasn't sure Bella would be capable of the things that Leah thought. He was more confused than ever. He didn't know when exactly things had gotten complicated.

"I don't know why things have to be complicated" Jacob admitted

"You're in a love triangle. Things tend to get complicated" Leah said sarcastically

"How many times do I have say this, I just want to be friends" Jacob whined

"You'll have to say it until you believe it yourself"

"I... what?" Jacob said confused

"You're so slow Jake" Leah said laughing

"What?"

"You love the guy" Leah and Seth at the same time making them laugh as Jacob looked out the window

Jacob wanted to say he didn't, but he couldn't. He didn't know what he felt for Edward, but he was pretty sure it wasn't love. He didn't even know the guy so, he couldn't be in love. Even with Bella it took him time, but then again it did turn from a crush to love really fast.

"I'm not in love" Jacob said

Nobody said anything after that. Jacob got home to an empty house. For a minute he worried until he remembered that Charlie and his father were having a fishing trip for the weekend. While he sighed in relief for a moment he remembered that Bella was home alone. That meant that Edward and her were alone...

"It doesn't matter" Jacob said while his heart sped up for a minute as he fell on top of his bed.

He didn't want to think anymore. He wanted to sleep, but he couldn't. His mind wondered and began to think about Edward. He could only imagine Edward laying in bed next to Bella. His blood boiled, but he grieved at his sudden loneliness. He wondered if this is how it was supposed to be?

Frustrated over not being able to sleep he slipped out of bed. This was one of those moments that deserved a shower. He grabbed his towel and walked through his dark house to the bathroom. The bathroom was at the end of the hall where as his room was next to the living room. This night felt unusually dark for him as the bathroom light seemed almost blinding. He turned the water on to a nice warm temperature for such a cold night. He rested his forehead against the shower wall as the water sprayed on his back almost rubbing his problems away. He didn't know what was so relaxing about a shower, but he sighed. He rarely thought about his situation, but as he scrubbed his body he felt the change. He was just a kid a couple of months ago going to school and dealing with teenage drama. Then having a zit on his forehead wasn't his biggest problem anymore.

"What's happening to me?" Jacob questioned in pain as he clung to his bed sheets.

"Something extraordinary son" His father said

"How long has it been?" Sam asked

"What is he doing here?" Jacob moaned in pain. Sam wasn't his favorite person and at the moment the last person he wanted to hear from.

"A couple of hours since he got back from the movies" His father explained

"It'll be soon now" Sam said

To this day Jacob was mad. He wished he could have had a heads up on the wolf gene. Even though he knew the legends he didn't believe them to be true. Like everyone else he saw them as old folk tales told around a campfire, but now he knew them to be true events passed down through his people. When he thought about it like that he would get mad at himself. He spend his whole life leaving a lie until he found out about his true nature. He had hated Sam and his gang to only realize he was the good guy in this whole mess.

Even though he had just taken a shower he felt more tense. Jacob wrapped a towel around his waist walking out the bathroom. The steam followed behind him as he walked into his room. He looked at his bed, but it didn't look welcoming. He sighed sitting down instead as he looked out to the night sky. He thought again.

"How did things get so complicated?" He said out loud to the sky

He grabbed his phone and simply looked at it. Even though he didn't want to it was as though his body did. His fingers twitched and he gave in. Edwards name popped on his screen as he heard the ring. The ringing sound seemed to sound through the whole house as Jacob held his breath. When it seemed that he was out of luck he heard his voice.

"What's wrong?" Edward said worried

"Nothing. Sorry to worry you"

"I just felt like... what's this about?" Edward asked

Jacob didn't feel like beating around the bush this time.

"Can we meet up tonight?" He asked

"Tonight?" Edward repeated

"Yeah, I know it's late..." Jacob said turning to his clock and almost jumped out of his towel. It was a little passed one already

"I didn't know it was so late. I'll understand if you can't" Jacob added embarrassed that he hadn't checked what time it was. He did call on impulse though.

"It' fine. I'll be there in five" Edward said and before Jacob could reply the line went dead

Jacob sat dumfounded. He had just made plans with Edward. A warm feeling spread over his body as he smiled into the sky. He sighed in relief almost melting if possible. He didn't understand his new feelings, but they made him feel nice. He had never felt such a feeling of walking on clouds. He moved effortless in a hurry changing into clothes. Butterflies attacked his stomach as he closed his front door behind him. He zipped up his sweater jacket before jogging off toward the woods. His heart beat faster as his steps turned into running. He felt his ears get hot as he ran against the cold wind. His heart started making a specific beat as he took in unnecessary breaths. Before reaching the clearing he slowed to a jog before stopping. Edward was already there.

Of course Edward was aware that Jacob was there too. Yet, Jacob straightened himself up before stepping out. Edward turned towards him and Jacob stood still staring at him. In some way this felt wrong. Jacob didn't understand, but he felt confused as he sat down at a near rock sized boulder. Edward followed him with his eyes before following staying on his side of the treaty line. Jacob wondered if they were allowed to cross it, but he hadn't brought it up to Sam. If they couldn't then how could this work? It would be a Romeo and Juliet tale. How cliché would that be?

Edward laughed at Jacob's thoughts.

"Jacob, stop thinking" He said

"I can't. Everything's complicated now" Jacob said frustrated

"It isn't"

"For you. No one understands. No one knows what its like to be me right now" Jacob admitted

"I understand"

"No, you don't. You hear my thoughts, but that's not the same as feeling what I feel" Jacob said looking up to the night sky

"You don't feel what I feel" Jacob added sighing before looking at Edward

"I don't have to feel what you feel to understand. Jacob you're confused. That's normal in a guy your age" He said trying to be understanding

"My age?" Jacob said chuckling

"Jacob..."

"You are aware that I'm only a year younger than you?"

"I've been seventeen for a hundred years and more" Edward said smirking

"Whatever, age isn't the problem here. This imprinting crap is the problem"

"Jacob, you're confused that's all. You were in love with Bella and now you hate the fact that you're bonded to me, the guy you hate"

"That's not the problem either" Jacob said low as though not wanting to be heard

"Then, what's the problem?" Edward asked confused

"I don't hate it" Jacob admitted

"Don't hate what?"

"This. Me and you. I don't hate being tied down to you. That's the problem! This is what I mean. You don't feel what I feel. Do you feel this confusion?" Jacob asked both frustrated and pleading as he looked at Edward for answers.

"Maybe, this is my fault" Edward said and Jacob shook his head in frustration

"Listen, you're just confused because you're alone, but maybe I can be more... understanding. Maybe, we can build a friendship" Edward added as Jacob looked at his feet

He thought about it, but the more he did the more it seemed impossible. He couldn't just be confused, but then again he wasn't sure of what he was feeling. He looked at Edward still thinking. He didn't know him and Edward didn't know him. Jacob wanted to build a friendship with Edward, but not in the same way Edward wanted. Jacob wanted to get closer to him while Edward simply wanted to be his friend.

"So, you're betting on me being content being your friend?" Jacob asked

"I suppose. All this confusion has to do with you not knowing things from my side. Jacob I... I don't see you that way." Edward said

"What if I'm not content with being your friend?" Jacob questioned

"Then, this can't work" Edward said with a hard stare and Jacob couldn't even look away because Edward's stare showed truth

"So, that's how its going to be" Jacob scoffed and then suddenly began laughing as he stood up.

Edward watched as Jacob laughed and seemed to retreat further from the treaty line. Edward felt like following him, but stayed still. Jacob's thoughts bombarded Edward's head to the point that Edward couldn't make out one single thought. Edward groaned closing his eyes as he rubbed his temple. Suddenly, everything went blank. Edward looked up surprised.

"Jacob!" Edward screamed as he scanned the empty horizon

He wondered where Jacob had gone. For a moment he stayed still listening. He heard the blowing wind and the tiny animals hiding away from the cold air. He could hear all the small beating hearts as more faraway he heard the rustling of fur. He heard everything except Jacob.

I can't be your bitch Jacob thought

A/N: I had some trouble with this chapter since I don't have all the chapters written out. I just have major points and situations that I want to hit throughout this whole story, but no a real outline. I was stuck at the ending because the conversation could end either way, but I obviously decided this way. Hope you guys liked it. I know it makes things more complicated, but we can never have too much drama (wait maybe... lol). I know I promised "good stuff" but as I wrote I saw that I was still quite far from that because I still need to get Edward and Jacob in that mind set that they can't be friends. Even though I think that I got Jacob there nicely. What do you guys think?