I do not own Twilight, SM does but I love playing with the characters so enjoy!

Big thanks to my awesome beta Roslyn Grey for keeping me focused and encouraging me in this crazy story. Thanks to all of you that review also you're the best.

10. Legend or Truth

BPOV

I sighed contentedly as I felt cool fingers stroking my cheek. I could feel the sun coming through my bedroom window, but I couldn't bring myself to open my eyes. For the first time in months I felt a spark of happiness and let a smile form on my lips.

"Why do I get the feeling you're taking advantage of my touch B?" Emmett's voice whispered in my ear. My stomach clenched at the feel of his breath on my skin. I opened my eyes slowly and saw him grinning at me from the rocker next to my bed. I rolled my eyes at him and propped myself up on my elbow.

"Now Em, what makes you think I would ever take advantage of you?" I said in the sweetest, most innocent voice I could. He chuckled and rolled his eyes at me as I sat up and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Before he could respond further the phone began ringing.

I ran down the stairs to grab the phone and ran into Quil coming out of the living room rubbing his eyes. I stumbled backwards and his arms slid around my waist catching me before I could hit the floor. I smiled sheepishly at him and quickly stepped away to answer the phone.

"Hello," I said breathlessly.

"Hey Bells is everything okay you sound out of breath?" my Dad said from the other end. I suppressed a giggle and rolled my eyes at the two guys watching me.

"Yes Dad everything is fine. I was still upstairs and just ran down to grab the phone. Is everything okay on your end?" I asked anxiously.

"Yea, I've got a meeting in an hour with the chief up here and then I'll be headed home. I should be home by supper if I don't get stuck in traffic." He laughed lightly. I smiled at the sound knowing how much Charlie hated the big city and the traffic there.

"Don't worry about me, Dad. Just be safe and I'll have supper waiting when you get here," I said.

"Okay sweetheart, see you tonight." He said before I heard the click of the line being disconnected.

I sighed lightly as I hung up the phone and looked at the two guys standing in front of me. "So is anyone hungry? I could make some pancakes or eggs." I offered giving Emmett a cheeky grin. He shook his head imperceptibly before speaking. "No thanks B I'm not hungry. You guys go ahead I'm going to go take a shower and change," Emmett said wagging his eyebrows at me.

"Don't go to any trouble Bella…" Quil started to say. "Quil it's no trouble. I love to cook, so sit down and keep me company," I said cutting off his protests. I turned and began getting things ready so I could make pancakes. I heard the legs of the chair scrape the floor as he sat down. When I glanced over my shoulder at him the sight before me made my heart ache. Quil was sitting with his face in his hands and his shoulders sagging. He looked like he'd lost his best friend I thought. Then the events of last night and my dream came back to me…I knew Jacob's secret.

My hands shook as I mixed the pancake batter and began cooking. "How's your Grandfather? Have you tried to call him since you left? Does he even know where you are?" I asked trying to avoid the topic I knew he would want to discuss. He sighed heavily as I looked at him over my shoulder.

"I haven't talked to him but I'm sure he knows where I am. He talks to Billy every day, and I'm sure Jacob didn't keep the fact that I've been here both times he's shown up to himself." Quil finished dejectedly. I set plates and silverware on the table and put my hand on his arm.

"Quil, I'm sure everything will work out. You need to talk to your grandfather though, let him know you're okay." I said rubbing his arm gently. He looked up at me at the same time he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me onto his lap. "I just feel so lost Bella," he whispered running his nose along the shell of my ear. I sighed quietly and wrapped my arms around his neck trying to comfort him.

As I began to pull back so I could finish breakfast he turned his head and caught my lips with his. My breath hitched as he began to move his lips against mine letting his tongue trace my bottom lip. His hand ran up my back and tangled into my hair before my mind could catch up with what was happening. I pulled away and quickly stood up, going back to the counter without a word.

I couldn't bring myself to look at him as I replayed what had just happened in my head. I had just flipped the last of the pancakes onto a plate and shut off the griddle when I felt a body behind me. I stilled at the feel of his breath in my hair and knew it was Quil. "Quil…" I whispered and closed my eyes briefly.

"I'm not sorry Bella…I know I shouldn't feel this way, but it just feels right when you're in my arms," he said quietly while running his fingers through the ends of my hair. "I don't expect you to feel the same but I can't deny it either," he whispered placing his hands on my hips and pulling me into him. "Just the thought of you calms me when I feel like I'm losing control," he finished placing a soft kiss on my neck.

"Quil…I'm sorry…" I couldn't find the words to say what I needed to as the tears began to burn my eyes. I turned quickly and ran out the back door to the edge of the forest as the tears began to stream down my cheeks. What was wrong with me? I'm not good enough for Edward to love. I'm not worthy enough for Jacob to be honest with me. Now I have this wonderfully, sweet guy that wants to be close to me and I run away from him. Why did all my relationships have to be so complicated?

"B, are you okay?" Emmett asked. I wiped my face with the bottom of my t-shirt and took a cleansing breath before turning around. "Yea I'm okay Em. Let's go back inside," I said keeping my head down as I took a step past him. His hand was cool and firm on my arm as he stopped me.

"Bella you can talk to me. You don't have to deal with everything on your own," he whispered. I nodded, "Thanks Em…I just need some time." I tried to smile but the look on his face told me I didn't do a very good job of it. "I'll kick his ass if you want me to," Emmett said nudging me with his elbow causing me to lose my balance and trip. I couldn't stop my laugh as Emmett caught my arm and smiled down at me. "That's my girl!" He said chuckling to himself. We walked quietly back into the kitchen where Quil was finishing a stack of pancakes, but I couldn't look at him. I went to the sink and began washing dishes.

"Must be good pancakes," Emmett said as he sat down at the table. I heard Quil mumble something before his chair slid across the floor. I felt him behind me and held my breath momentarily. He set his plate on the counter without looking at me. "Thanks for breakfast Bella," he said quietly but not moving away.

I sighed lightly not sure exactly what to say or do. "You're welcome Quil," I answered just as quietly. I kept my head down and focused on the dishes in front of me. "I was hoping you'd tell me what you figured out about Jacob but I'll understand if you'd rather I just left." His words were quiet but pleading and I couldn't help but look up into his eyes. The sincerity and love that I saw almost started the tears flowing again.

How could I hurt him? How could I let him in? There were so few pieces left I just couldn't let them go. I dropped my head and closed my eyes letting the regret wash over me. Regret for letting Edward break me the way he did. Regret for being so selfish in my relationship with Jacob. Regret for not being able to return the love Quil was trying to give me. I heard his retreating footsteps but couldn't find my voice or the right words to fix this.

"Hey it was nice to meet you Emmett. I hope you enjoy your visit with Bella." Quil said hesitantly. "Yea man it was good to meet you too. Take care of yourself, Quil." Emmett replied sincerely. I could feel the weight of his eyes on me as I struggled with myself.

"Quil…wait," I called as I turned around to see him stop in the doorway. "Let's talk about Jacob before you go…" I began. "B that may not be a great idea right now," Emmett cut me off quickly. My head snapped towards Emmett as anger began building inside of me.

"You're welcome to leave Emmett, but Quil has the right to know what's going on with his friends," I said trying to control the anger in my voice. Emmett was out of his seat and in front of me before I could even blink. "Bella," he whispered nodding towards Quil's shaking form in the doorway. "He's not supposed to know yet. I need to get him outside. I think you should call Jacob and tell him to get over here," Emmett finished still whispering. I nodded dumbly and took a step towards the phone.

"Bella…" Quil looked desperately at me. His whole body seemed to be shaking and his eyes held nothing but confusion and fear. He reminded me so much of Jacob in that moment I couldn't stop myself. I ran to him and wrapped my arms around his waist and began whispering words of encouragement to him. He was burning up and his arms where shaking violently at his sides. After what seemed like forever but really was only minutes his hands slowly settled on my hips and the shaking subsided.

I felt Emmett's cool hand on my shoulder gently trying to pull me away. "B let's go out back and talk there," Emmett said quietly. I nodded and stepped away from Quil. "Quil why don't you go out back with Em and I'll be right there," I said patting his arm as I turned towards the phone to call Jacob. The phone rang three times before Billy answered.

"Hello," Billy answered.

"Billy it's Bella, I need to talk to Jacob please," I stated firmly. I could hear his sigh on the other end of the phone.

"Bella, Jacob's sleeping right now. I'll be sure to tell him you called though," Billy said callously.

"Go wake him up Billy and tell him to get over here right now. I know his little secret. Quil's here with me and as soon as I hang up this phone I'm going to share what I know with him. He's shaking pretty bad though and is burning up, so Emmett thought I should let Jacob know first," I finished bitterly.

"Bella I don't know what you're talking about but I don't think it's a good idea for you to fill Quil's head with misconceptions. You really should send Quil home and let his grandfather handle this. He misses him terribly," Billy finished quietly.

"I'm done playing games Billy just give Jake the message…he's the one who wanted me to figure this out," my voice trailed off at the end as I hung up the phone and walked outside.

Emmett was standing in the middle of the yard with Quil pacing back and forth between him and the woods. "I called Jake's and left a message with Billy," I whispered knowing Emmett would hear me from my place on the deck. He turned and smiled before nodding towards Quil.

I strode confidently across the yard and stopped in front of Quil placing my hands on his trembling arms. He looked down at me hopefully. "Is Jake coming here to give us some answers?" He asked. I shook my head and led him to the deck stairs. "I left a message with Billy, so I'm sure Jake will be here I just don't know when," I said quietly as I sat down on the top step.

Emmett kept his place in the yard while Quil sat just below me so we were almost eye to eye. "Do you remember any of your tribe's old legends?" I asked Quil. I could see his confusion at my question so I continued. "The night Jake came into my window and found you with me, he said I already knew what was going on. He said I had to remember the first conversation I had with him after I came back to Forks. I had gone down to First Beach with some friends for a bon fire and Jake was there with some of his friends…where you there that night?" I asked curiously.

A small grin spread across Quil's face, "Yea I remember that. Jake talked about that night and you for weeks. He never told us what the two of you talked about though. He only said he told you some old stories trying to scare you." Quil continued to smile at the memory and his trembling had stopped completely.

"I had asked Jacob why the Cullen's weren't allowed on the reservation, and he answered by telling me some of the Quileute legends." I looked at Quil wanting him to figure it out for himself. He sat quietly, deep in thought before a look of recollection crossed his face. He looked over at Emmett and then back at me several times before he spoke.

"The cold ones…no way…are you telling me the Cullen's are vampires?" He looked at me incredulously. "No Quil I would never tell you that. Do you remember the rest of the legend, the part about your ancestors?" I asked hopefully. He looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.

"They were werewolves, men that changed into wolves. They had to transform to defeat the cold ones and protect our people. Werewolves are the natural enemy of vampires and can kill them easily." Quil looked up at Emmett who was trying to conceal an unsubtle guffaw. Quil looked back at me with confusion written all over his face. I nodded my head slightly trying to confirm what I knew was going on in his head. As the realization of what I was implying hit him he shook his head.

"You think Jake is a werewolf! But there wouldn't be a need for them to be werewolves unless the Cullen's really are vampires," he glanced at Emmett who was still standing in the middle of the yard with a big grin on his face. "Bella I'm sorry but I think you've lost your mind. Those are just old legends…they're not real. Jake and Embry are not werewolves." Quil stood up and looked between Emmett and I one more time before shaking his head in disbelief.

"I really should be getting home. I'm still not sorry about earlier but I hope you can forgive me…I'd like to see you again." Quil said dropping his eyes from mine. "I'd like to think that maybe we're still friends," he whispered. I stood up and put my hand on his arm. "Of course we're friends Quil…always will be," I said quietly.

He looked up and smiled warmly at me. "I guess we'll just have to give Jake some time and hope he comes around huh?" He said pulling me into a light embrace before turning to Emmett. "Would you mind giving me a ride back to the reservation?" Quil asked him. My heart froze momentarily until I heard a car pull into the drive. I looked at my watch and noticed that it was still way too early for Charlie to be home.

Just as I was going to walk to the front and see who was here, Jacob came around the side of the house. He looked between me, Quil, and Emmett, nodding at Emmett before looking back to me. I had to wonder if they'd come to some kind of agreement since Emmett's arrival, and Jake's appearance at my door the other day.

"Billy said you might need a ride home," Jake said looking at Quil. I could tell by the stern look on Quil's face he hadn't forgiven Jacob for abandoning him but he was willing to listen if Jake chose to talk. Quil looked back at me once more before nodding an acknowledgement to Jake. Quil took my hand and leaned into my ear before whispering to me. "Please don't shut me out Bella…I'll call you later," he said placing a soft kiss on my cheek and turning back to Jake.

A low growl escaped Jake's lips at the same time an almost silent hiss sounded from behind me. My eyes fixed on Jacob as he watched Quil step away from me and head to the front of the house. "Quil…" he called tossing him the keys. "I'll be there in a second," he said nodding towards the front of the house. Quil caught the keys and rounded the corner of the house.

Jacob closed the distance between us with two long strides and looked down into my eyes. A small grin began to form on his lips as he reached his fingers up to push a strand of hair behind my ear. "I knew you'd figure it out," he said quietly. His smile turned sad as he searched my face for some answer he wanted. His fingers lingered on my cheek as I gave him a small smile.

"A wolf, huh?" I said nonchalantly. "Yea…I'm sorry I couldn't tell you Bells. No one outside the pack is supposed to know." His eyes locked with mine begging me for understanding. "I get it Jake. Quil didn't believe me so you don't have to worry about him…"I let my voice trail off as I thought about losing Quil too. "He's going to change too isn't he?" I whispered. Jacob let his hand fall to his side and nodded.

"We're not sure when but he's close…we were more concerned because he's been so close to the leech there," he said nodding towards Emmett. Emmett chuckled softly. "He promised to watch out for both of you though, so I guess he's not so bad," Jake finished quietly. I looked up as Jake exhaled deeply. The pain and regret that washed over his face almost brought me to my knees. All he'd ever wanted was to love me and have my love in return. Why was I so selfish that I couldn't give him that?

As I looked into Jacob's dark eyes I couldn't help but want to comfort him. I reached up and laid my hand on the side of his face letting my thumb caress his cheek. Everything happened so fast I wasn't even sure of what I was seeing. Jacob's lips crashed down on mine as his arms pulled me firmly to his body. In the same instant I heard a feral growl from one side and an angry hiss from the other side. A huge chocolate brown wolf caught my attention coming straight towards us from the front of the house. Then it was as if I was flying through the air. I couldn't make sense of anything except the cold arms that held me and the sound of fierce growls and howling in the distance.

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