EDITED!
A/N: Chapter 7… double upload… whoopasssssss!
Notes: ||| change in POV
00000 time pass
Disclaimer: Me no own, you no sue
Then They Fell In Love
Chapter 7: Training the Alpha
Edward's phone vibrated, pulling him out from his intense reading of Jacob's dreams. He sighed in relief for having had the foresight of putting it on silent because it would've woken Jacob, and the boy looked so peaceful at the moment and he wasn't being plagued with any nightmares like he had been the days before. It comforted Edward to know that his mere presence could relax his Mate this way, it made him happy too.
Ask Jake to ask la Pack to meet in la clearing for training (from Jazz)
— Alice
Edward replied with a simple 'Okay' since his phone seemed to be doing an obnoxiously loud 'click-click' sound whenever he tapped a button.Edward placed his phone on the bed next to him so he wouldn't have to shuffle about to put it back in his jeans because that would disturb Jacob.
"Ed," Jacob whispered, slowly waking up.
Edward put his phone in his pocket since Jacob was already awake.
"Hey, Jake," the Vampire said quietly.
"Are you okay?" Jacob asked his Vampire.
"Mm, I'm good, you?"
"I'm alright."
"Good."
Jacob let out a sigh and got out of bed and stretched his slightly stiff body.
Edward couldn't help watch the muscles of the Shifter's body tensed under his skin as he stretched his body out.
"You gonna go now?" Jacob asked.
Edward sighed, Jacob's thought making it clear what he meant.
"I don't want to lie to her, Jacob," Edward said. "It's not fair, to any of us."
"What if that leech goes after her anyway, even after all that's happened?"
"We'll know."
"But Bella will hate us and you know she'd probably do something crazy like go out to Victoria as a suicide thing."
Edward sighed; he knew Jacob had a point. "Fine," the Vampire said, "I'll go to her."
"Thanks Ed." Jacob kissed the older boy gently, not even bothered by the morning breath he could taste in his own mouth.
They heard a howl.
"I guess I gotta go too now."
"Of course. Oh, and ask the Pack if they could meet at the clearing later for training."
"Oh yeah, sure thing."
Edward kissed Jacob deeply, holding onto the Wolf's face as though he never wanted to let go.
"What was that for?" the Wolf asked when the Vampire finally let him breathe.
"Just."
"Just?"
"Doesn't matter why, just. Bye, pup."
Jacob frowned but let it go. "Okay, bye, Ed."
"I love you."
"I love you too, Ed."
Edward left the room via the window, earning a complaint from Jacob. He laughed as he disappeared from sight.
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Edward jumped into Bella's room through her open window. Even after everything she still didn't close her window, still waited.
The girl was sleeping but her eyes and nose were puffy and red, the most obvious answer probably being from crying. There were balls of tissue on the floor and in Bella's bed.
Edward breathed in deeply then walked towards the sleeping girl. He'd been avoiding her for the past two weeks and wasn't sure if she'd buy the whole 'it was just a dream' thing. He hoped she did, for Jacob's sake and sanity.
"Bella," he whispered, shaking her a bit. "Bella, love."
"Hmm? Edward?" Bella sounded worn out, her voice scratchy and small. Edward felt bed for her. "Is it really you?"
"It's me, love." He smiled, though it pained him—to be here, to lie.
"But I thought…" Bella waited to be interrupted but wasn't so she continued. "I thought you and Jacob— —" This time Edward did interrupt.
"Me… and Jacob?" he asked, pulling a face. He hated doing this; he didn't want to lie, not to Bella, not about Jacob.
"Was I dreaming?"
"You probably were."
"It felt so real… I thought— —"
"Shh, love, I'm here."
Edward wrapped his arms around Bella, to stop her from talking, to stop himself from having to lie.
It felt so wrong.
Bella was so small compared to Jacob, and she wasn't hot enough, she was just warm. Jacob was hot, so very hot; always running hot.
"How could I ever think that Jacob and you would do something like that to me?" Bella asked quietly.
Edward felt his as though his dead heart was constricting.
Why did he agree to do something like this? Ah, that's it, because he couldn't say no to pouty Jacob! Because his Mate had asked it of him and he couldn't say no to his Mate. Because Mating working just as well as Imprinting when it came to happiness.
"It was just a dream, love."
"But you've been gone for two weeks, Edward. I've been trying to get a hold of you for two weeks and you didn't respond. Charlie's been at Billy's because his house got trashed and I thought— —"
"I went hunting. I've been gone for going on three weeks. Alice and I had to go a little further. She didn't want to be gone for so long, but I wanted mountain lion so she indulged me. We didn't even realised how long we'd gone for until she saw a Vision of you crying. We came back as soon as we could."
The lying was so effortless. Edward couldn't believe how serious he sounded, how true his words sounded even to him. But he hated having to say them, hated that he had to lie. More than anything in the world he wished that he could just tell the truth, tell Bella everything. Lying about his feelings for his Mate left a bad taste in his mouth. He hated it.
But it was for his Mate, to make his Mate happy.
"Oh." Bella breathed in deeply, breathing in the scent of Edward that she'd thought she'd never get to smell again. "All right. I'm— I'm glad then. I really thought that you and Jacob had... I was so sure. I could see it, could hear it."
"No, it was only a terrible dream. It might have been caused by Jacob's home being broken into. Carlisle told us how you fainted when you saw the state of Jacob's home. The trauma must have done something to you."
"Yeah, that's probably it." Bella sighed, curling closer into Edward. "I love you, Edward."
"I love you too, Bella."
The girl smiled and moved closer to the Vampire falling back to sleep.
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"Hey, Bella," Alice said excitedly.
"Jeez, Alice, can't you use the door."
Alice had hopped into the room through the open window.
"Sorry," the tiny Vampiress said with a gentle smile.
"Edward isn't here, he left an hour ago."
Alice already knew that. Edward had called her an hour ago begging her to go to Bella's because he just had to go see Jacob… again. It was like those two couldn't even breathe unless they saw each other, it was cute, but it could get so annoying—especially if one had to leave their Mate to look after someone who they were trying to avoid.
But at least Alice didn't have to be with the girl for too long, she had a plan because she was Alice and Alice always had a plan.
"Oh," Alice feigned surprise. "Alright." She shrugged. "It's no matter. I'm here for you anyway." The Vampiress smiled brightly. "Guess what I did for you!"
"What did you do for me?" Bella asked with slightly narrowed eyes.
"Oh come on, Bells, don't say it like that. Come on, it'll be so exciting."
Alice pulled Bella off her bed and dropped a bag onto the spot the girl had just vacated.
Bella eyed the bag sceptically.
"Well open it!" Alice said excitedly.
"What is it?"
"Just open it!"
Bella sighed and opened the bag and pulled out a dress. She looked from the dress to Alice who was smiling excitedly.
"Put it on, let's see how you look!"
"Um…"
"I'll wait outside."
Alice hopped out the window and allowed Bella space to change into the dress. When Bella was done she quietly called for Alice to come back. The Vampire looked the Human up and down before squealing happily and clapping her hands.
"You look good, Bells. Come on, let's go."
Alice grabbed Bella's hand and the girl out her room.
"Where are you taking me?" Bella asked, letting herself be led.
"Come on, it's a surprise." They met up with Charlie on their way down the stairs.
"Where are you girls off to?" he asked smiling at the two girls while eyeing the dress his daughter was wearing.
"My house," Alice said with a large smile on her face. "Bye Charlie!" The girls left the house without another word and drove to the Cullen's house, Alice talking quickly and excitedly the entire time. She dodged the Victoria topic like a pro and mostly filled the space with conversation about her hunting trip with Edward and how bad she felt about not letting Bella know they were gone.
"I know Rosalie wouldn't have said anything but I should've let the boys know, or Esmé, even Carlisle. They would've told you. But I just didn't think about it you know!"
"It's all right, Alice," Bella said for the ninth time since they'd gotten into the car. "I should've known."
"Well, I still feel bad. But I'm going to make it up to you! I promise."
When they got to the house Bella saw that there was a party going on inside. She turned to Alice with wide eyes, gripping the girl's arm.
"What did you do?" Bella asked, mortified.
"Surprise!" Alice said, forcing Bella out the car and dragged her towards the house.
"No, no, Alice!"
"Come on, Bells, this will be fun."
Alice opened the door and pulled Bella into the house where teens were all around, some were dancing, others talking, while others were making out at all corners of the house. Bella only relaxed slightly when she spotted Edward and she and Alice made their way over to him.
"Bella," Edward said smiling down at her. He looked so beautiful to the girl. The dimness of the lights made him seem almost magical, like a creature from a fairy-tale, lovely and mystical all at once.
"Hi, Edward," Bella said with a slight blush as she kissed him gently.
As Bella pulled away, the front door that led to the house opened and Jacob flanked by Quil and Embry, walked into the house.
"Jake!" Bella called with a happy smile. She hadn't seen her best friend in a long while; it wasn't his fault since she'd been the one who'd distanced herself all because of some stupid dream she'd been so sure she'd experienced.
"Hey, Bells," Jacob said, smiling at the girl kindly.
"What are you guys doing here?" Alice asked with a slight frown. Edward had already gone over to Jacob's house earlier; she'd thought he wouldn't need to be here now. She looked at Edward who had his eyes narrowed dangerously at the Shifter who point-blank ignored him.
Well that wasn't a good sign.
"We came to let you know that we'll be helping," Jacob said simply. The two Vampires and the Human knew what the Shifter was talking about before he even had to explain.
"No," Bella protested quickly. "You can't, Jake."
"We can, Bella. It's what we were made to do. We were made for it."
"No, Jake, you can't. It's too dangerous, they could hurt you!"
"Come on, Bells, have a little faith in us. At least let us kill some Vampire," Jacob said this with a grin and threw a glance at Edward and Alice.
"You— you can't do this, Jake."
"We can and we will, Bells, no one can change our minds."
To Alice that was a clear message to her brother: You can't change my mind.
"Fine," Edward said through clenched teeth. He knew very well that Jacob would not back down. The kid was stubborn, infuriatingly so. Alice would know, she'd gone shopping with him, and she'd never met anyone quite as stubborn as Jacob. His no was a no and it could not be changed, no matter how hard one tried.
"Edward!" Bella protested looking to her boyfriend with wide, pleading eyes. Edward only shook his head, he knew he couldn't win. He'd already tried talking some sense into Jacob, even tried the seduction card, but the boy would not be moved.
"Good," Jacob said, nodding his head. "We can meet anytime to discuss tactics."
"Fine," Edward said again because he couldn't think of anything better to say. He glared at the Shifter but Jacob took it easily enough, shrugging at the Vampire. It was almost like the pair was having a silent argument with just their eyes.
After a while Alice cleared her throat, breaking the staring contest. Jacob let out a sigh then nodded at Embry and Quil and they all turned and left the house.
Bella turned to Edward.
"You can't let him fight, Edward, they can't," the girl said desperately.
"I can't make them stop, Bella," Edward said tiredly. "It's their choice. It's what they want to do, what they were made to do. Trying to stop them from fighting would be like telling them to stop breathing, it can't be done."
Alice grinned, already knowing who her brother was quoting. That little sneaky Wolf, he could be so poetic about things when he wanted to be.
Bella let out a sigh.
"Don't worry about that now, Bella," Alice said. "Let's enjoy the party!" Alice pulled Bella to the dance floor and started bouncing around to the rhythm of the music while Bella moved about awkwardly, trying her best not to fall over her own feet.
00000
Victoria and her newborns were getting closer, dangerously so. Alice had been plagued with Visions all day. Although Victoria had not settled on what she wanted to do, it was pretty clear who she was after.
"For fucks sakes, Ed," Jacob shouted angrily from upstairs. "I don't need bloody protection. I can protect myself!"
Edward still insisted that Jacob have someone around to protect him but Jacob wasn't having it.
"All you gotta worry about is Bella. I know how to look after myself."
Nobody really liked the idea of Edward having to lie to Bella about his relationship with Jacob, but Jacob wouldn't have it any other way. Things had gone exactly as he'd expected them to go when the truth had come out and he just couldn't deal with that, not with Victoria being such a big threat to them.
"There's something not right," Alice kept saying, more to herself then to anyone else.
"What do you mean?" Esmé asked, touching her daughter's hand gently.
"I don't know, Esmé. It's just… the decisions that Victoria's making are very confusing."
"Confusing how?" Carlisle asked. Alice shrugged.
"It's like… I don't know… It's like she wants to go after Bella but then she doesn't at the same time. I don't know… But let's not dwell on that, I'll keep trying to figure it out. Come on, we have to go, the Wolves will be waiting for us at the clearing."
"I'll go pick Bella up," Edward said as he came down the stair. Jacob had just gone off to meet up with the Pack.
"Alright, we'll meet you there," Carlisle said. The Cullens nodded in agreement then they all went to the clearing.
The Wolves were in their Human form, which was a good sign that they actually trusted the Cullens enough, which was definitely a good thing.
They all needed to be able to trust each other, if anything for Jacob, because they know he'd be torn if he had to pick between his Imprint and his Pack.
They all greeted each other cordially and then the Shifters disappeared into the woods to Phase into their Wolves.
Edward finally arrived with Bella. They hopped out the car and Edward took Bella's hand. The pair walked towards Edward's family.
He noticed the bracelet with a carved Wolf pendant that was made out of wood similar to the colour of Jacob's fur.
"It was a present from Jacob," Bella defended, touching the pendant with her free hand.
No, Edward thought, that didn't help.
Why had Jacob made something for Bella but not for him? It was a silly thing to think, but Edward was still jealous of the fact.
"Ah, there you two are. Let's begin then," Jasper said in his deep Texan accent, speaking to his family and the Wolves alike, that'd joined them. "The newborns are strong in their first year. They can kill you easily if you aren't careful. You need to stay focused at all times because any slight distraction could get you killed.
"While the newborns are stronger, we are at an advantage. They are young so they know next to nothing about the existence of Shifters and they won't know how to handle them. And even if they do know about you they won't know what to expect, how to fight you, and the smell will certainly distract and confuse them.
"They are blood crazy and their own blood still in their system makes them much stronger and much faster. They will last longer than you in a fight, so don't try to out fight them, fight to win the moment you start fighting.
"An important thing to remember when fighting newborns, don't let them get behind you, don't let them wrap their arms around you because they will give a death grip and you will lose.
"And one last thing to remember when fighting a newborn: never go for the obvious kill."
Jasper looked around, making sure everyone understood.
"Now then," he soldier said, "let's begin our training. I'll start with my family first then I'll work with the Wolves."
Everyone nodded. The Wolves didn't relax, watching closely and carefully.
Jasper beckoned for Emmett to join him in the middle of the clearing. He and Emmett got ready.
"Don't hold back," Jasper said.
Emmett smirked.
"It's not in my nature," the large Vampire said and the pair ran towards each other in high speed.
Jacob went and stood beside Bella.
"Hey, Jake," the Human said, running her fingers through Jacob's soft fur making him purr. "I wish you wouldn't act so brave all the time."
Jacob head-butted Bella gently as she continued to run her fingers through his fur. Edward looked at them, jealousy surging through him.
It might've seemed childish but he didn't like Bella touching his Mate. He wanted to be the one that made Jacob purr like that. Him! Because he was Jacob's Mate, not Bella!
"Stop it, Ed!" Jacob snarled at his Imprint then walked over to his Pack Mates.
Edward sighed. So he was wrong for acting that way, but still, he wasn't going to apologise for his behaviour.
"Next," Jasper said when he'd dropped Emmett on the ground.
Jasper trained with each of his family members, using his knowledge about the newborns against them. They did pretty well despite it.
When he'd worked with his family enough, pointing out their fighting error, he trained with the Wolves.
They also seemed pretty good and he was satisfied with them so far, impressed by how well they adapted and listened. There was still one more Wolf left to train though. Jasper had avoided it till the last moment on purpose—Vampires were overly protective of their Mates after all.
"Ready, Jake?" Jasper asked.
The huge russet Wolf—the biggest in the Pack, the appeared—grunted then stood in an attacking position, crouching low and snarling at Jasper.
Jasper didn't warn the Wolf, jumping for Jacob. The Wolf ducked easily, turning quickly and bashing into Jasper who went flying into a tree.
Edward's POV
It was mesmerising to watch.
Jacob moved with such grace and poise, despite his large size. He dodged and ducked Jasper's attacks with such ease, almost as though he could predict the quick movements of Jasper's body.
Bella gasped every time Jasper went to attack Jacob, more than likely certain that Jasper would best my Wolf, and yet each time Jasper would miss.
Bella really didn't give the Wolves enough credit. Wolves and Vampires were two halves of the same coin. While enemies, we were much alike, and unlike with my family and Jacobs Pack, others of our kinds hunted and killed each other. The Wolves were strong, stronger than Bella thought, or believed.
I could see—and hear—the way my family admired my Wolf. They too were mesmerised by him and his gracefulness. He was a sight to behold.
He was the largest Wolf in his Pack, with beautiful thick russet fur that looked soft.
I caught Rosalie and Alice thinking what a nice coat his fur would make. I sent them nasty looks and they quickly apologised, swearing that they'd only thought it because Jacob's fur was just so amazing. I had to admit though, it really was. I couldn't wait to be able to run my fingers through it.
"I don't get why he won't just accept it," I heard Collin think—we'd been made to learn the Wolves names and be able to identify them even in their Wolf forms. It wasn't a hard feight for me, I learned their names because they were my Mate's family. "I mean, look at him."
"I know," Sam replied through the Wolves thought connection. "But it's Jake's choice."
"It's his rightful place," Brody said. "He shouldn't fight it."
"We can't force him you guys," Seth said. "If he doesn't want to, then we can't do anything about it."
"You're right, Seth," Paul agreed, nodding his large Wolf head. "No one can."
"Why don't the elders force him into it?" Jared asked.
"That wouldn't be right," Embry answered shaking his head.
"Yeah, they can't do that, not even his father," Quil said.
"But someone's gotta try talk him into it right?" Jared asked.
"I can do it," Leah said. "Maybe I'll do a little more than just talk."
"No thank you, Leah," Sam said. "Let the kid be."
"Whatever."
I wondered how it was possible that the Wolves could be having this conversation but Jacob didn't seem to be distracted by it. I'd have to remember to ask about that.
Finally the training ended and the most surprising thing was that Jacob didn't even seem worn out; he seemed more excited than tired, like he was ready to fight anything and anyone, and I didn't doubt that he would win.
"Aw... don't be so sour, Leah," Paul taunted. "We know you have a crush on Jake, but he's just too busy with Cullen to care about you."
"Fuck you, Paul," Leah snarled back at the Wolf.
"Don't you wish you could?"
Leah was about to attack Paul when a menacing growl—that surprised even the Wolves themselves—coming from Jacob stopped the two Wolves that were about to attack each other.
"Stop it, both of you", Jacob said in a commanding voice that actually surprised me. "Now, we're all going to Phase back so we can finalise plans with the Cullen's. Move out."
Jacob walked into the forest, followed by the others who were actually quiet, and had their heads bowed respectfully as they followed the boy who ran ahead of them with his head high… It was almost as though he were— as though he were the Alpha.
"What just happened?" Rosalie asked, already recovered from the shock of Jacob's growl.
"I have no idea," I admitted. I was still confused by the other Wolves conversation.
"He felt like dominance," Jasper said thoughtfully. "And the others felt so… so submissive."
"That… was… awesome!" Emmett said, smiling excitedly, like a kid with a new toy. "You must be so proud too."
I rolled my eyes at my brother. Honestly, he could be such a kid.
Bella looked at me strangely, trying to figure out what Emmett meant. Alice saw this because she punched her brother.
"Sorry bro, I forgot about her," he thought to me. I nodded and smiled.
The Wolves returned into the clearing in their Human forms. Jacob seemed to be brooding with a pout—which was actually very cute—while the rest of the Pack spoke excitedly to each other about Jake's reaction to Leah and Paul's almost fight.
"So," Jasper said as a way of getting everyone's attention. We all turned and looked at him. "It seems that you're all pretty good at fighting, which is great, but you all seems to have flaws. I'll go down the list.
"Emmett: You trust your size during fighting, but that's not enough when it comes to a newborn, you need to be careful, cover your back, and don't rely so much on your size.
"Rosalie: It seems that every time you fight there's this underlying tone of 'I'm prettier than you'. You can't use that against the newborns because all they want to do it kill. They are blood crazed and even crazier about killing anyone that threatens them, be careful.
"Carlisle: You're compassion makes you hold back, don't. This is a kill or be killed zone, and you have to kill.
"Esmé: Your maternal instincts get in the way. The newborns might be young and confused but they are dangerous. Like I said, kill or be killed.
"Alice and Edward: I realise that you two also rely too much on your gifts, but they won't always work, especially on someone like Victoria. You have to expect the unexpected. Don't put too much faith into your gifts." My family and I nodded going over what Jasper had just told us. "Now, the Wolves.
"It appears to me that you all have similar strengths and weaknesses. I feel that you work better as a group then when you are individuals. That's a dangerous game you're playing. You have to learn to be able to fight not only as a group but also on your own.
"Seth, Collin and Brady: I understand that you're young, but I'm worried about you and your strengths against the newborns. Their much stronger and faster and mostly rely on instinct. You three are still adjusting to your new bodies and it worries me that you won't be able to fight the newborns well.
"Don't worry," Jacob said. "They won't be part of the fight."
"What?" the three protested incredulously.
"Come on, Jake, that's not fair," Seth whined.
"Don't argue with me, Seth, you aren't going to be here during the fight."
Seth huffed, crossing his arms in annoyance.
"Fine!" the young boy said, though he wasn't happy about it.
"Right…"
My family and I looked at each other suspiciously, trying to figure out what was going on with Jacob and the Pack.
"As I was saying," Jasper said. "You guys need to learn how to fight on your own too, to be able to defend yourself and also be able to defend everyone else. I feel that the only person who's mastered that quiet well is Jacob."
I felt pride swell in me. My Wolf had mastered something in battle.
"Obviously," Leah scoffed, rolling her eyes.
"Shut up, Leah," Jacob said in that commanding tone and strangely enough Leah didn't respond like she usually would've, though her mind had a lot to… well… think. "So when's our next training session?"
"Alice can determine that."
"How?" Embry asked out loud, the rest of them just wondered it.
"She's the one that can see when Victoria and her newborns are going to attack; therefore we can see how much time we have left to train."
"Oh… I see."
"Alice?"
"I'm looking," she said then concentrated on Victoria's decisions.
I could've listened in on her Vision but for some strange reason all I wanted to do was concentrate on the Wolves thoughts, most importantly—it seemed—Leah's thoughts.
"Stupid Jacob," she growled in her mind. "How dare he…? Ugh, the bitch! I'm not the one keeping secrets, and so what if the Cullen's find out? He's practically their family… Shit and beans! That means we'll be like extended family to the bloody lee-Vampires. Damn Jake! Now I can't even insult the bloody mosquitoes. Wait… I can still use that one… ha… nice. Bloody verm- damn! Can't use that one either. Jake's an idiot. How dare he use the— —"
But I was pulled out of Leah's thoughts by Alice's gasp.
"Alice, dear," Esmé said. "What is it? What did you see?" Alice looked at me.
"Get Bella home, come back and I'll explain," she thought. I nodded.
"Come on, Bella, let's get you home," I said.
Bella nodded without protest and we went into the car. I drove her home as fast as the Jeep would let me. I dropped Bella off, kissing her cheek then rushed back into the car and drove back to the clearing.
"Back," I said, standing besides Esmé.
"So, what did you see?" Jasper asked.
"Victoria…" Alice said, still shaken by the vision. "She's made her final decision. She… she wants Jake."
"But we know that dear," Esmé said.
"No Esmé, she wants him. As in, not dead but… like… as a lover."
"What?!" Jacob asked shock recognisable in his voice. "She wants what?"
"I saw it in the Vision. She was talking to someone, one of us, saying how compatible she and Jacob would be." Alice was talking to me, she was sure that I was the one Victoria had been talking to.
I felt anger rise within me, I was so very angry all of a sudden, the thought of that bitch taking away what was mine… I felt a wave of calm go through me and nodded at my brother in thanks.
"She was saying how she'd originally wanted Jacob dead, but when she'd seen and smelt him she'd known that she didn't want him dead, but she wanted him with her, as hers and no one else's. She seemed so sure that he would be hers."
There was silence, save for the wild life around us.
"Do you know when they're coming?" Jasper asked, breaking the silence. Alice shook her head sadly.
"No, but its soon, there was thick snow around, so it's going to be soon right?"
And almost like it had been planned, the snow began to fall. If things hadn't been so tensed I might've laughed at the irony of things.
"I guess that answers your question, hah Alice?" Emmett joked, smirking.
We all laughed—the tension loosening a bit—except for Jacob who was deep in thought.
"Jake?" I asked, walking to him and taking his hands. "It's going to be okay."
"What about Bella?" he asked, looking at Alice.
"She's not after Bella anymore, she doesn't even care about her. The only reason she was after Bella was for revenge, a Mate for a Mate."
"Oh." Jacob didn't even seem to relax at hearing that, he was still so very tense.
"Relax, pup," I said gently. "It'll be fine, I promise."
"Hmm… okay… Okay."
"We should all head home and rest for tomorrow's training," Jasper said.
"Edward?" Esmé thought looking at me.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"Ask the Wolves if they'd like to come over for dinner tonight, they can bring their families and Imprints along too."
"Sure Esmé. Um… Sam?"
"Yeah?" Sam answered, still a bit distracted by Alice's news.
"My mother was wondering if you guys could come over for dinner tonight, you can bring your families."
"Jake?" Jacob nodded absently. "Yeah, sure. Thanks Mrs Cullen.
Did he just ask Jacob for permission… what was going on?
"Call me Esmé, dear," Esmé responded. "Everyone does."
"Alright… Esmé. Well… we better get back to the Rez. Um…"
"Be at the house around by seven."
"Alright. We'll be there. 'Till seven."
"Bye."
The Pack left, leaving Jacob behind.
"Are you okay?" I asked him. He nodded and smiled.
"I'm alright," my Wolf said. "I was just a little freaked, but I'm good now."
"Good." I kissed him gently, sighing. "Snubs Bella!" I thought to myself, which was so very immature, but couldn't be helped. She could keep her bracelet, I'd have the kisses. "Let's go home."
We left the clearing and headed home to prepare for dinner that we couldn't even eat—well one of us could at least.
00000
Dinner had gone exceptionally well. Everyone seemed to be on a minimum high buzz and it all seemed good. But then the good mood had immediately dampened when Alice had had a Vision confirming the day Victoria and the newborns were going to make their appearance.
"A week from tomorrow," she'd said.
That had sort of spoilt the mood of the party and Jacob had started panicking again but we were able to relax him.
The Wolves—including Jacob sadly—had gone back to the Rez to finalise who would be doing what during the battle. My family stayed behind and we formulated a plan on how we could ambush the newborns with our secret weapon—the Wolves.
"Do you think we should practise one last time with the Wolves, just to be safe?" Esmé asked Jasper.
"Dibs on Jake," Emmett said. I glared at Emmett and his immaturity.
"Emmett, this is not a game," Carlisle said with a slightly scolding tone.
"I know it's not. I still dibsed on Jake though."
"You know nothing about the newborns," Rosalie said, rolling her eyes at her Mate. "All you know is how to attack a bear."
"And Jacob is bigger than a bear," Alice pointed.
"Yeah, yeah," Emmett said it a we of his hand. "Fine, but I will so wrestle him later."
"Fine then, whatever," Rose said, rolling her eyes at her goofball husband.
My cellphone beeped.
Meet you at the clearing tomorrow at noon.
- Jake
"Who is that?" Esmé asked.
"Jacob," I replied. "He said they'd meet us at the clearing at noon tomorrow."
"Oh, alright. Well, everyone get some rest."
"What about the mess?"
"I'll deal with it with the help of my lovely husband."
"Oh… how lovely," Carlisle said sarcastically. "He must be such a lovely man."
"It is, and he is, isn't he?"
We all laughed. It felt good to laugh. Everything was so tensed all the time, we hardly laughed anymore.
"Well goodnight darlings."
"Good night, Esmé," Alice said, kissing Esmé's cheek.
"I'm going to Jacob's and won't be home till late, if I come back," I said.
"That's all right love." We all said goodnight then went our separate ways.
Edward had something else to do before heading to Jacob. He took a detour and headed to the house of his Singer. He jumped into Bella's room. She was fast asleep. For a moment Edward thought about not waking the girl, but what he had to say was important, and had to be said before anything else happened. Edward let out a soft sigh then when and shook Bella awake.
"Bella," he whispered, rousing the girl from her slumber. Bella blinked a few time and rubbed at her eyes that seemed slightly puffy, almost as though she'd been crying. But Edward couldn't think of a reason why she'd cry, unless it had something to do with her family, but Alice would've known if something had happened to her parents.
"Hmm…" Bella said sleepily. She yawned before sitting up and looked at Edward who sat on the edge of the bed. "Ed? Why are you here so late?"
"I… I have something important I need to tell you."
"You and Jacob are together," Bella said with a soft sigh. "You only got back together with me because Jacob made you, so you could protect me properly. But Victoria isn't after me anymore so now you're going to break up with me again…"
Edward's eyes widened in surprise, he hadn't expected Bella to know, or to react so calmly since she'd pretty much gone ballistic the last time they'd told her about his relationship with Jacob.
"How'd you know?"
"Jake came over earlier and explained. He doesn't want to me to hate him, not that I ever would, I was just angry that time, and I felt horrible for the way I acted. It wasn't Jacob's fault that he Imprinted on you; it's not your fault that you fell for him too. I totally get it now, and I'm sorry I acted like a bitch the last time."
I smiled at her, leaning towards her and kissing her forehead. Bella let out a content sigh.
"Thank you, Bella," I whispered finally pulling away.
"I'm not a bitch, Edward. I could never hold anything against you. Like they always say, you can't help who you fall in love with." I hugged her gently. "Say hi to Jake for me."
"I shall definitely do that. Bye, Bella."
"When Alice decides to plan the wedding, I want an invitation." Edward chuckled.
"Alright." He kissed her cheek and jumped out the window.
He ran to Jacob's house feeling a lot lighter than he had before. When he got to his Mate's house he found that Jacob was lying in bed, still awake. The Wolf was still thinking about how well the conversation with Bella had gone.
"Hey, pup," Edward whispered as he climbed in through the window.
"Doors were made for a reason, jerk," Jacob grumbled though there was no real heat in his tone. Edward chuckled, climbing into the small bed with Jacob.
"I know that, I just like to climb in through the window. Make it like this is a forbidden love affair or something."
Jacob chuckled, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah, sure, Ed."
"I've got more for my lullaby."
"Will you hum it to me?"
"Yes, that's why I mentioned it."
"Don't get cocky Ed."
Edward grinned which made Jacob roll his eyes again.
"I'm proud of you, pup," Edward said suddenly, his grin turning into a smile.
"What for?"
"For everything, and for speaking to Bella."
"I was scared she'd hate me."
"But she doesn't because you were able to explain it to her properly. You made her understand."
"Mm, yeah…"
They were quiet for a long moment before Jacob turned to face Edward.
"Well, hum on then."
"Anything for you, Wolf." Edward wrapped his hands around Jacob again and hummed the second part of Luka's lullaby.
Jacob once again dreamt of the little boy with Edward as he slowly fell asleep…
FIN!
So yeah neh… I don't know what happened there. Jacob actually wasn't supposed to talk to Bella and she wasn't supposed to accept it, but yeah neh, it happened, things like these happen all the time right? You plan something then something else happened… hmm… I hope that you like it though. Please R&R.
And I know I said I'd be revealing Jacob's secret but you know, I just had to write this stuff first, but I'm sure by now you already have an idea of what the secret is… if you read the boys and aren't 'waiting for the movie to come out' that is. Anywho…
Next chapter:
Vicky and her newborns finally arrive... The fight!
Wh00000pas! Guys… just coz I said I wasn't going to beg for reviews I didn't mean don't review… I'll start begging again… yes, that is a threat *evil grin* LOL
I only made Bella come back so I could add that part during training… I just had to after I watched the movie again (for the second time).
See, I uploaded two chapters today… don't you think I deserve A LOT of reviews *Jacob's pouty face*
MwahzZ
(",) SmilezZ Ya'll