Starry's Corner: Most of you will notice (or at least those who've read the books) that I've taken quite a few creative liberties with this fanfiction and, at times, things will deviate from the canon verse. And, during others, I've filled in what I had to because I probably couldn't remember and am too lazy to reread the books to double check! ^-^ So, if you find any discrepancies, feel free to point them out. But, I can't promise that I'll care enough to change or defend my position. And, I'd also like to send a HUGE thank you out to my new beta. She knows who she is! ^^


Rule Eight: Confronting your imprinted is a delicate process, especially if they don't/can't accept the fact that you've imprinted on them. You must always remember that, even though it is hard to do so, you will only ever be what they need you to be. You must fight all urges towards them. To push your imprinted away...would be detrimental to your health. It is common knowledge that you must be in close contact with your imprinted, while it is not necessary to be their constant companion, it is necessary to make occasional visits.

-=-=-

Jacob had been border line reclusive for the past few days. Ever since he had let it slip (he was still kicking himself over that one) to Edward about who he had really imprinted on. The only times he had left his house were when Sam forced him out for his patrols. And even then, he was careful to stay away from his pack mates.

His patrols, also, were the only time he'd go to Bella's house and at first he had been sure he was discreet. But, then he had noticed that Edward no longer remained overnight with the girl. It was always that other bloo-vampire, Alice.

And, while he was curious as to why Edward no longer made his night time visits (his heart and mind running wild with the possibilities and what they could mean to him and his imprinted), he didn't dare venture over to the Swan residence to ask. Mostly, because he didn't want to run into Edward. He was sure Edward wasn't there during the nights, but he knew nothing about the days. And, well, he was pretty sure that Bella was still pissed off at him for imprinting on Edward in the first place.

"Are you sure you don't want to go over to Bella's with me?"

His Father's voice snapped him from his thoughts and Jacob Black shifted on the sofa to look at the man, "No, I'm good." He said simply, turning back around before he could see the irritated look pass over the elder's features.

Billy heaved a great sigh, rolling his chair over to the couch, "I'm sure that Cullen boy won't even be there...not while Charlie's home." He pointed out, his voice hopeful as he watched his youngest child rise from the sofa and walked into the kitchen.

The younger Black didn't answer right away, instead he opened the fridge and got out the things to make himself a sandwich, "First off..." Jacob started, his eyes hard as he looked up at his Father, "His name is Edward." Lately, he had gotten a bit testy towards people when they made remarks about his imprinted. At first, the strange need to defend the vampire from his family and friends had been downright odd and disturbing. Now, it was just a normal side effect of the imprint.

As he made his sandwich, he continued to speak, this time explaining (for what felt like the one millionth time) why he didn't want to go over to Bella's, "Second; Bella's pissed off at me for imprinting on her boyfriend in case you've forgotten." Jacob certainly didn't. Not only had he imprinted on his mortal enemy but, along the way he had lost his best friend.

"So," Jacob said, finishing his sandwich, setting the butter knife in the sink before he looked back at his Father, "Just drop it. I'll be staying home."

But, before Billy could further try to convince his son to leave the house, a panting Sam Uley burst through his front door, "You've got...company..." He gasped, crouching over to catch his breath, "Didn't think...he'd actually do it...didn't think he'd cross the line."

"Company?" Jacob asked, frowning slightly, already having an inkling to who it might be. There weren't very many people, or vampires it could be. "How close is he?" He asked, looking at his gasping alpha.

"Really close," He replied, though Jacob didn't need the answer because he could already smell the sweet intoxicating scent that he had begun to align with Edward since his imprinting. "That boy is fast!"

And, no sooner were the words out of his alpha's mouth, then Edward was standing in the doorway with his hands shoved nervously into his pockets as he rocked back on his heels, "Um...hi..." He said, his voice awkward as both his Father and Sam's eyes narrowed at him, "I don't really know why I'm here..."

Gods, kill me now... Jacob thought, his cheeks flushing when Edward's eyes flickered to him, an amused expression on the elder's face. The shifter mentally cursed himself, then immediately started thinking about the lyrics to Blue's Clues so the vampire wouldn't be able to pick up on his thoughts anymore. "Why are you here?" He demanded to know.

The amused expression didn't leave the vampire's face. It made Jacob want to punch him in his jaw, "I just told you that I didn't know why." Edward pointed out and Jacob rolled his eyes, returning to his lunch. "Carlisle said...that ignoring the imprint could harm you." He paused for a moment, suddenly looking rather uncomfortable, "I guess...I just wanted to check and make sure that you were alright."

"Well, I'm just fine." Jacob replied, a little on the snappy side as his Father snorted at the statement, which was obviously a lie. But, Jacob wasn't about to let him know that. Instead, he glared at his dad.

Who just stared right back, blinking innocently, "I don't know if you've noticed, Jacob, but the only time you leave the house is when Sam orders you out." The eldest Black pointed out.

Jacob pointedly ignored his Father as he ate his sandwich, watching as Edward's gaze slipped to his Father, a look of surprise there before he turned back to him. He just wanted the vampire to leave! It was obvious that Edward didn't want anything to do with him, so why did he insist on making things harder?

"Jacob..." He began slowly and his voice was so alluring, so sweet. It was impossible to ignore. Jacob's eyes flickered to him in a show of attention, "I'm really sorry for laughing at you like that. I just..." His voice died off again and Jacob's heart clenched. "This whole imprinting thing came as a huge shock...coupled with what you were thinking..." Edward shook his head slowly. "I'm really sorry. For reacting the way I did."

Jacob gritted his teeth, setting his food back on the table as he glared at the vampire in his home, "How do you think I felt?" He growled, "Do you honestly think I wanted to imprint on you of all people?"

"Probably no more than I would've wanted to be imprinted upon." He replied, unfazed by Jacob's glare. "I had thought it was just a myth...but, I said I was sorry." Edward said, his eyes hardening the slightest bit, "The least you could do is be gracious and accept it."

"Fine! Apology accepted!" Jacob snapped.

Though, sorry didn't fix the hurt he had felt when he had seen Edward and Bella kissing, sorry wouldn't fix the embarrassment of Edward finding out the way he did and his reaction, and sorry damn sure didn't fix everything that he had been through since he had imprinted.

"Alright." Edward groaned and the shifter could tell he was getting frustrated, "Point taken, but this wasn't my fault." Obviously he had been reading Jacob's thoughts again with his annoying talent. "Bella's my girlfriend." Jacob stiffened at the word, picking up his sandwich and eating it just to have something to do as the vampire continued speaking, "Of course I'm going to kiss her. What else do you want me to say? Oh! I know! I could forbid you to get upset over something so foolish. Would you prefer that?"

Jacob froze, swallowing what he had in his mouth before his eyes narrowed dangerously, "Don't you dare." He growled, setting the half eaten sandwich on the table. Obviously, somehow, Edward knew that he couldn't refuse him anything. Whatever Edward asked of him, he'd do it. Just to see him happy.

"Uh...son...please remember what I said about phasing in the house..." Billy said, watching his son and the raising anger he was fighting so hard to control. And, it seemed, that as soon as he spoke, the two teenagers suddenly realized he was still in the room.

"No offense, sir, but isn't Charlie waiting on you?" Edward asked, having earlier heard the flickering thought of a ball game at the Swan household in Billy Black's thoughts.

The elder Black blinked, then checked his watch before cursing softly under his breath. He looked up at the two boys, "Will you be okay by yourself, Jacob?"

The shifter snorted, grabbing his sandwich and turning away from his father.

"You know, I'm not going to hurt him." Edward said, obviously feeling the need to defend himself.

"It's not him I'm worried about." Billy replied, and that...that brought a smirk to Jacob Black's face.


Note: Chapter 8 had to be divided into two parts to maintain my maximum word count. So, tune in next week for Part II!