A/N: I'm alive! Yayyy! Hahaha. I'm sorry it's been SO long since I've updated! I've been really busy with school… but (as I have promised) I will NOT give up on this story! So don't get discouraged if you have to wait a month or so between updates (although I'm hoping it'll never be quite THIS long ever again). WARNING: This chapter is about 90% dialogue, which was quite interesting to write… hahaha. Anyways, on with the story!

Chapter Nine

The rhythmic patter of the falling rain seemed to echo in the eerie silence of the house. Jacob could clearly make out the sound of each drop as it collided with the roof, high above his head. According to the calendar, the rainy season should have been nearing its end, yet there had been multiple downpours day after day for the past several weeks. Perhaps under different circumstances, this would have bothered him, but Jacob was completely indifferent to the unusual weather pattern. It was appropriate, after all; his thoughts had been just as dark and dismal as the sky above since the day Nessie was taken from him.

He fought desperately not to think of it, but it was a memory he could not escape. His mind lingered relentlessly over every painful detail - The identical look of pity on each Cullen's face as they mumbled an awkward farewell. Edward's calm mask, back in place as he repeated his previous words of gratitude. Bella's endless pleas for forgiveness, unacknowledged by her best friend. He never even looked her in the eye. The feel of Nessie's lips against his as they shared one final, too-short kiss. Her whispered promise that she would see him again, no matter what it would take. And, worst of all, the unbearable pain of his heart splitting in two as he watched her walk away, carrying a piece it with her…

Jacob closed his eyes, the bedroom ceiling vanishing from his view. With Nessie gone, he had spent most of his time in wolf form, running for miles and miles – sometimes for days at a time. His original plan had been to just keep running – give up his human life and succumb to his animal instincts, as he had once before. But something always brought him back; he could not bring himself to leave the house behind. It was only the way left to feel close to her.

Jacob started slightly as the sharp, sudden ringing of the phone broke the silence. Jacob sighed. Probably some telemarketer. Those were the only types of calls he and Nessie ever received, with the exception of Jacob's few clients. He glanced briefly at the alarm clock beside him. It was nearly eleven. A little late to be bugging people for money, he thought vaguely.

As always, the phone rang twice and went straight to the machine. Jacob went back to staring at the ceiling as the piercing beep reached his ears. But he shot up immediately as a painfully familiar voice began to speak.

"Jake?" It's… me. I know you're probably sleeping or – "

Jacob made it to the living room in seconds, the phone pressed firmly against his ear. "Nessie?" He breathed, praying he was not dreaming.

"Oh God, Jake!" The girl sounded as though she were about to cry. "I was afraid you weren't going to pick up."

He did not answer immediately, taking in the sound of her voice. It sounded even more beautiful than he remembered.

"Are you still there?" Nessie asked nervously.

"Sorry… I was just thinking about how amazing it is to hear your voice again…" He smiled as he spoke. "I think I was starting to go a little crazy without hearing it for so long."

His smile widened at the sound Nessie's soft laugh. "Believe me, you have no idea, Jake." She sighed. "I miss you so much. That's why I called."

Jacob's sudden relief and elation disappeared immediately at her words. "Ness…" He sighed. "Did you tell anyone you were calling me?"

"Look, I know what you and dad told me, but I don't care! I couldn't stand it anymore… I just needed to talk to you."

Jacob shook his head, forgetting, for a moment, that she could not see him. He and Edward had agreed that even a phone call would be too risky. Alice was having a hard time seeing what the Volturi's new tracker was capable of, but even without him on their side, the Volturi would surely have no problem tracing a simple phone call.

"I thought you agreed we'd wait a few months before we tried anything." There was a slight edge of anger in his voice. He loved Nessie more than anything in the world, but a mere phone call was not worth putting her life in danger.

"When have I ever been patient, Jake?" Nessie teased, hoping to lighten his mood. She paused, but Jacob said nothing. "Do you want me to hang up?" She asked finally.

"Of course not," Jake muttered. The damage had already been done. Besides, he could not deny that the sound of Nessie's voice made him the happiest he had been in the weeks since she had left. "How'd you manage to call without anyone finding out?" He asked, both curious and slightly impressed that she had managed such a feat.

He could almost hear the smile in her voice. "It was really easy, actually. Everyone else went out hunting and mom and dad went upstairs to talk. I like to be alone a lot, and I think they get pretty worried." She paused briefly. "I just listened as hard as I could and waited until I heard them talking about something other than me. I knew they'd stopped paying attention, so I just kind of ran for the phone. I made sure not to actually think about what I was doing until I had it in my hand."

"Nice one… very sneaky." Jacob teased, but his tone quickly became serious. "But they must know what you're up to by now…"

"Probably." Nessie muttered casually. He heard her take another brief pause. "Yeah, they're pretty quiet up there." She sighed. "They must be listening... I might have to go soon."

Jacob hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I can't do this anymore, Ness." He said seriously.

"I know." Nessie's voice was almost a whisper. "It's killing me too. I've barely slept, or eaten, or even spoken to my family since I left. All I can think about is when I'm going to see you again."

"That's just it!" Jacob's voice rose in frustration. "We don't know when or, let's face it, if we'll see each other again. As long as the Volturi are still after you, there's no chance." He took a deep breath. "So I'm gonna try to change that."

Nessie's voice was uncertain. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't freak out, Ness." He warned. "I know you too well… but just hear me out, okay?" She said nothing, so Jacob continued. "As soon as I get any clue that those bloodsuckers are nearby… What if I find them before they find me?"

The sound of Nessie's breathing stopped entirely and, for a moment, there was absolute silence on the other end on the phone line.

She still did not speak, so Jacob continued, hoping he could make her understand. "I know it sounds crazy, but look at it this way – Alice said there aren't many of them, right? I'm stronger than you know, Nessie. I might be able to take them out – especially if I can surprise them."

Nessie finally spoke, her voice frantic and rushed. "That's a suicide attack! I already know how strong you are, but be realistic, Jake. They'll tear you apart – literally."

"We don't know that." Jacob argued. "Carlisle always talks about how reasonable they can be… what if I just meet with them and lie about where you are? Maybe they'll let me go and move on." He knew just how unlikely this would be, but he hoped Nessie would believe it. Anything to ease her worry.

"Right, and then maybe they'll just give up the search and head back to Italy. I'm not stupid, Jake." Nessie's voice was hard. "But obviously you are if you're even considering this! Please don't do this, Jake. We just have to be patient and – "

"What, wait? I told you already, Ness. I can't do this anymore. I have to try. I need to see you again."

"And what if something happens to you?! Then you never will!"

Jacob had not given this much consideration. It took him a moment to reply. "Well…" He said slowly. "At least you'll know I tried… and they won't be any closer to finding you, right? Believe me Nessie, it'll beat living without you."

Nessie was clearly dumbstruck. "I'm begging you, Jacob! You can't do this to yourself… or to me. I would die without you! Have you thought of that?"

Again, this was something Jacob had not considered. "You have nothing to worry about." He said finally. "Because everything will be fine. I promise."

"Don't make a promise you can't keep." Nessie's voice was shaking. "The only promise I want to hear from you is that you'll – Oh."

Jacob was puzzled for a moment until he heard a soft voice on Nessie's end. "May I?"

"Um… Jake, I think my dad wants to talk to you." Nessie muttered.

Jacob grumbled angrily in reply. "Okay."

"Jacob?" Edward asked calmly.

"I'm here… I guess you've been listening in, huh?"

"Yes… and I'd like a chance to reason with you." Edward paused a moment. "My daughter is right. You would stand no chance against the Volturi. Not on your own."

"What are you getting at?" Jacob demanded.

There was a soft sigh on the other end. "If there's no chance of changing your mind, at least allow me to offer you some help. You can't face them by yourself."

"No." Jacob said firmly, his decision already made. "I don't need help from any bloodsuckers. I'll manage on my own."

"I understand why you feel that way." Edward continued. "But I'm sure Emmett or Jasper – "

"No." Jacob repeated. "You're wasting your breath." He muttered bitterly.

Edward took a deep breath. "Alright. If you won't accept help, then please accept my advice. Think about what it would do to my wife and daughter if this doesn't end the way you planned. Before you do anything, just think about how much it would hurt them."

Jacob thought for a moment. "As for Bella, well… something tells me she wouldn't be as torn up about it as you think." There was a bitter edge to his voice that surprised even himself. They had both caused each other so much pain… maybe it would just be easier for both of them if he was out of her life – forever.

"And Nessie is… strong." He continued. "Probably stronger than you realize. She'd be able to move on without me. Especially with you there to help her through it." He added grudgingly.

"You underestimate how much they love you, Jacob. It's almost insulting." Edward replied simply.

Jacob could think of nothing else to say. He had to believe that his decision was for the best. He could see no other way. "May I please speak to Nessie again?" He asked politely. "So I can say goodbye?"

"Please, Jacob… just think about what you're doing. It's not the only way. The offer is still open – we'll help you get away, where the Volturi will never find you."

"You know I can't do that. Try to understand." Jacob said softly. "Don't tell me you wouldn't do the same thing."

"Not alone."

"No leech sidekicks, sorry."

For a moment, there was no reply. "I suppose it's your choice." Edward said finally. "Be safe, Jacob."

"I know what I'm doing." He replied.

"Jake, listen to him, please." Jacob was relieved to hear Nessie's voice again.

"I guess you'd better go, Ness."

"For once my dad's right. Will you at least think about what he said to you?"

"I will." Jacob promised. "But I've already made up my mind.

There was a pause. "Is this… the last time I'll talk to you then?" Her voice broke. Jacob could tell she was crying.

"Aw, Ness… Don't talk like that. I told you, everything will be fine. Maybe you can call me again. But only if you ask first, okay?" He fought to keep his voice light, hoping that this would not be the last time he spoke with her.

"Please, Jake… don't do this."

He ignored her plea. "I love you. So much."

"Me too… More than my own life." It was almost impossible to make out her words through the tears.

"Bye, Ness."

"Jake…"

He hung up the phone and held his face in his hands for several moments before returning to the darkness of the empty bedroom.

XXX

The sun was beginning to set as Jacob bounded through the thick trees, his four legs pushing harder and harder with each stride. After making up his mind the night before, he decided to get a good start on patrolling the area, looking for signs of any unfamiliar scents. Jacob had not expected to find anything interesting, but just after dusk, an unusual smell filled the air, pulling him back in the direction of his home.

What bothered him the most was that this smell was not unfamiliar to him. As he neared the stretch of woods edging his driveway, the smell grew stronger, as did his certainty about the source of the odor. But he refused to believe it until he saw for himself.

He broke through the trees to find two tall, imposing figures standing on his front porch and pounding on the door. The male was the first to speak.

"Jake! Come on!"

"We know you're in there!" His companion added

"Maybe he's not home. Should we check the woods?"

"No, he must've heard us by now, wherever he – "

A soft whine from the large russet wolf caught the pair's attention.

"Speak of the Devil." The boy smiled as he nudged his older sister. "Told you he wasn't home."

"Why if it isn't Mr. Alpha himself." The girl glided down the steps toward Jacob, her brother following close behind.

Jacob shook his large head in disbelief as they drew closer.

"Miss us?" Seth Clearwater asked. "The old pack, together again."

A/N: Yay for Seth and Leah! Hahaha. Sorry again for making you guys wait so long! I swear it won't happen again!