Okay, this is it, finally, the last chapter!!! Just a short epilogue will follow, probably tonight. It won't be weeks, promise! I want to thank everyone reading this for their kinds words and support, and to Stephenie Meyer for showing me that creativity never fully leaves you, it just may take a nap for awhile. :)

I love all you guys, thanks so much!!

Ch 10: Showtime

Jacob trotted after his son as LJ wobbled in the forest. Jacob's head was a lot louder these days, having the guys bow down to him (he subconsciously rolled his eyes) kept his ears and mind always busy. Leah was back at Emily's place with the Cullens and Sam. They were there waiting for him, and he was ready to get down to business, but that was when his son decided to Frankenstein his way out the door. Emily's house was full now, with all of the Cullens plus Emily relocated there. He and the baby weren't far away, just behind the house, and Jacob watched his son stumble through the forest. How fast the little guy had grown. It seemed like it was just yesterday that all he could do was open his eyes, and squeeze his little hands together. Soon he'd be talking. Tying his shoes. Asking Jacob to teach him how to ride a bike. For help on fixing his first car. Jacob felt a big wolfy grin crinkling his eyes... and then he looked down at his paws. How soon until the fever began? How long until his son became one of them?

Perhaps they should leave La Push after this, he Leah and LJ, and just run... run far away, somewhere sunny, where no vampire would ever step foot...

And then through Emily's open window, he heard Bella's laugh. And he hated himself for even letting his mind think it for a second. He could never do that. Bella and the Cullens met so much to him now. And this was who they were, monster or not. He and Leah were werewolves. Their son would become one, there was no question. The kid had the gene. And at least... well, at least Jacob could be someone his son could be proud of. He hoped that much.

The back door opened slightly, and a tangle of brown hair poked out. Jacob raised his eyebrows as LJ poked his head up from a leaf he was studying intently, and waddled to the back door where Renesmee stood beaming.

"LJ!" She cried. She let the door shut behind her, and put her arm around LJ's shoulders. It was an odd sight, they looked more like friends than a future married pair. Renesmee walked over to the leaf LJ was just holding, and started babbling to him about it. Every few moments, she would stop, and place her hand to LJ's cheek, and then laugh; sometimes she'd answer his questions that only she could hear through her gift.

In the fading light of the day, Nessie's skin had a luminescent shine to it, and Jacob remembered Bella's skin shining like that before.

As on cue, Bella looked out the door, followed by Edward, and Leah behind him.

Jacob nodded his great shaggy head to the pair, and dashed behind a tree to phase. Pulling on his shorts he said, "It's okay, they're just talking."

Bella grinned and walked out the door; Edward and Leah followed.

"Can you believe this?" Bella asked, watching them. "It's so hard to think that in a few years, they'll be married." She turned to Jacob, "I always knew you'd be a part of my family."

Leah smiled and curled into Jacob's side, and he put his arm around her.

"Both of you," Bella added.

"This is our future," Edward said, watching LJ and Nessie. Nessie turned her head and kissed LJ's cheek. Bella squealed.

"Easy, Bell," Jacob said, "He can't even talk yet."

They all shared a small laugh at that, and then Emily stuck her head out of the back door. She had the kitchen phone in her hand. "Jacob," She called, "It's Rachel. She has news about Billy."

***

By the time Jacob reached the threshold of Billy's room in the hospital, he could no longer hear the whirr of the machines, or the silence that accompanied it. He heard movement; the rustle of the bed sheets, the squeak of chair legs against the linoleum floor; and lastly, his father's quiet chuckle.

He hadn't realized how tightly he was squeezing Leah's hand until she let a mew of discomfort. "Sorry," He said, and lightened his grip. He couldn't walk in there empty, he needed her.

Leah pushed open the door, and a smile greeted her face before Jacob even saw his father. And then his eyes found him, sitting up in bed, Rachel fluffing his pillows. There was wetness under Jacob's eyes now, that matched Billy's. Billy stretched out his hand, and Jacob walked to him and clasped it.

"My son," Billy whispered. "Rachel told me about Quil's punishment to you. I can tell you now that it's all over. You'll never have to leave your home behind again."

Jacob couldn't find words in this moment, so he just nodded his head.

Billy found Leah, and he smiled, "Still as pretty as I remembered."

Leah smiled in return, and rubbed Jacob's shoulders. This was a blessing.

The house was loud and full; vampire and werewolf stood side by side, even briefly talked amongst themselves. Before Jacob sat Emily's map of La Push. They had marked off Quil's house, the hospital and the border. It was odd how they were all following him now, like he knew what the hell he was doing. What this plan was, was common sense, and if they wanted to believe that was leadership, well then Jacob wasn't going to burst their bubbles. He just wanted them where they would be good, where he wouldn't have to worry about them. The last thing he wanted was someone else hurt. Jacob wanted to get through this meeting quickly, and get his pack out to the border. He didn't want Quil making a run for it, though he doubted that was something he would do. But he wasn't sure who would be helping him.

Ever since he had gotten home from the hospital, he had started going over in his head how this should go down. Having the Cullens here was a big help. They were more in numbers now, so he could virtually have the whole area covered. That was a comfort.

He cleared his throat, and glanced up into all of their faces. "I was thinking," He said as they all fell silent, "And tomorrow, Edward, I'm going to need you down in the village. People will hear what's going on, and whoever comes to help, I need you reading their minds... and I need you to stop them. Not hurt them, just... stop them. I'm sending Seth, Colin and Brady with you." Seth and Edward worked beautifully together, and Collin and Brady needed to make amends. He needed to be able to have his pack trust them again.

"You might want to add Jasper as well," Edward added, "He can calm them down."

Jacob nodded his head. "Okay." That made sense.

"And Bella?" Edward asked quickly.

Jacob was ready for this question. Bella was they type of girl... vampire girl that everyone knew and welcomed, even now wither her golden eyes and paleness. She'd be perfect to have with him, an unsuspecting threat.

"Bella will be with me at Quil's house. He won't be expecting her. Jared, Leah, and Emmett are with me too."

Edward grew silent.

"It's okay," Bella reassured him.

"I know, love." He whispered, and kissed her forehead.

"She'll be fine, I promise." Jacob said. Edward was a worrier. Even though Bella now had granite skin like his, he worried for her still. It was romantic, and sickening. "Quil, Embry, Blondie and Shortie, you're on the border." Alice grinned and nodded, happy to be included even if she wouldn't be able to see how this plan would work out. Lastly, he turned to Sam, "You and Paul are at the hospital with my father and sister. Dr. Cullen is too."

Sam said nothing.

"You're sitting me out, Jake?" Paul demanded.

Jacob shook his head, "We're collapsing in." He circled the area of Quil's house and drew arrows from the border and hospital to it. "We'll be in contact. Once we have Quil located, we move in. Once the village is secure, Edward, Jasper and Seth will join the rest of us at Quil's. Colin will stay at the village, Brady will go to the hospital. Dr. Cullen, I need you to stay at the hospital. Mrs. Cullen, I need you here with Emily to look after the children."

There, that ought to do it. It all made perfect sense. He stood up and smiled. As soon as he finished talking, the the whole room exploded with arguments.

There was no way Rosalie was following Jacob's orders.

Paul was not staying at the hospital and missing the fun.

Quil wanted to talk to his grandfather.

Jacob put his hands to his temples. They wanted him to lead, and this was the freakin thanks he got.

"SHUT IT!" Leah screamed.

The room fell silent.

"Jacob is in charge here. You're all going to follow him, or he'll impose his command. Vampires, you agreed to help, so listen up."

Jacob snapped his head to her. She smirked at him.

They all fell silent once again, and then Seth raised his hand.

Jacob and Leah exchanged a glance, and then Jacob called his name. "Seth?"

Seth's eyebrows creased, he opened his mouth, hesitated a second and then asked, "What are we going to do with Quil once we surround his house?"

Jacob was waiting for this question. It was something he had discussed with Edward, something he hadn't even told Leah. It seemed fitting for Quil, and he hoped everyone would think it was for the best. "The Cullens have agreed to help us with that," he said.

Carlisle was the one to step forward. "Our friends in the North have a sanctuary. Quil would live the remainder of his days alone, in the cold."

There was a small murmur of agreement.

Quil bowed his head. "Fitting," He whispered.

"No," Came a voice to Jacob's left. Jared looked deep into Jacob's eyes, his dark eyes like coal. "He deserves worse after what happened to Kim."

Jacob looked to Leah, and a tear rolled down her cheek. He had to say something here. He had to try and make everything okay. "Jared, I... I know how hurt you are..."

"Do you?" Jared countered.

"We all feel the loss of Kim," Sam added. "Jared... you don't want Quil's death on your hands."

"You don't know what I want," Jared hissed and walked out of the room.

***

Jacob rolled up the map, and stretched. The house was quiet. His pack was getting their rest, so he decided it was time he turned in himself. He was certain everything would go without a hitch tomorrow. Movement caught his eye to the left, and Leah walked forward, taking his breath away. She was wearing a thigh-high nightshirt that left little to the imagination. He gulped.

"You're still awake?" She asked, stifling a yawn.

"Yeah, just going over the map."

"You know this area like the back of your hand."

"I know." He sighed, "Leah, tomorrow... I need you to promise me something."

"...what?"

"Just promise me you'll follow my orders tomorrow. That you'll listen to me."

Leah's eyes narrowed, and she turned her back to him, and folded her arms. She was quiet so long that he went back to his map.

"He killed my father." She whispered.

Jacob looked up. She still had her back to him. He got up and walked to her, and placed his arms around her waist. "I know," He said soothingly. He rested his chin on her shoulder, and while she relaxed into him, she kept her arms folded and jaw locked.

"Leah," He said.

"I heard you."

"Please," He pleaded. He knew that she knew that he could make her listen, by using his alpha command, but he didn't want to do that. There was too much involved, too many emotions...

"Yes," She said, "I'll follow you, but Jacob..."

"Listen to me."

"If you expect me not to have my revenge..."

"Listen to me." He repeated.

She turned in his arms and faced him. "I'm listening."

He removed his arms from her waist, and gathered her hands in his. He looked deep in her eyes. "Whatever you plan on doing to Quil, it's not going to bring your father back."

She was silent a moment, and dropped her eyes to their linked hands. "I know that," She whispered.

"I don't want you to do something you'll regret. I won't let you."

She dropped his hands in anger, and pulled away from him. "This isn't about you."

He gritted his teeth. He would not be responsible for Quil's death, and neither would she. He deserved to suffer. "I'm not going to sit there and watch my son's mother become a murderer."

"He killed my father, Jacob!"

"I know that! Do you think this is what Harry would want? For his daughter, his only daughter to go to jail for killing Quil?"

"You don't know the pain I'm in!" She screamed. "Ever since you told me, I wanted nothing more than to..."

"Then talk to me! Stop being the stubborn one woman show! I'm here! I'm here for you! I always will be!"

"If Quil had killed Billy, you'd be feeling the exact same things I am now." She said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Don't even stand there and deny it, it is who we are! This anger that transforms us, do you think that's all a coincidence? We're designed to kill, Jacob. Why do you think we do it so well?"

For that he couldn't argue; if Quil had killed Billy, he would want him dead too. He had wanted to harm Colin and Brady. But like she had once said, it all came down to choices. "You're right. If I was in your boat, I'd want the same vengeance. But just because we can kill, it doesn't mean we have to. What was that you were saying about choices, Leah? There's always a choice. Make the right one."

***

It was something he didn't have before. Something that would slow them down, but not kill them. Quil ran his hand along the muzzle of the colt. Why had it come down to this? Why couldn't they see things his way, how better off they all would be without having alliances with enemies? Could he look into the eyes of those he once mentored and pull the trigger? Shoot his own grandson? His jaw locked. He would have to. It was no longer a matter of winning, that he had lost with Colin and Brady's betrayal. Now it was about making a point. And bullet holes in each of his wolves should prove that. The pain from the wound would echo his pain once they joined with the bloodsuckers. What would Ephraim have said?

It had grown quiet in La Push, and he knew it was only a matter of moments before they came for him. They would strike long and hard, but his weapon would protect him... until he could make a break for it. It was sad leaving this all behind, but surely he could find solace on the Makah reservation? It would have to do. His eyes narrowed as darkness fell. It was time.

***

Just a girl and her dog strolling through the reservation. That's what Bella hoped it portrayed. A freakishly large dog and a girl whose skin was glittering in the sun like it was encrusted with jewels. Jacob trotted by Bella's side, though her head barely reached his shoulder. Everything was in place. Emmett, Leah, and Jared were in the trees behind him. Leah hadn't spoken to Jacob since the night before. He had to settle things with her after this. He nodded to Bella, and she walked up to the door as Jacob vanished into the shadows.

Bella knocked softly on the door. There were a few grunts from inside, and then the slide of a deadbolt.

Quil pulled the door open, and had to shield his eyes from the glow of Bella's skin.

"Hi Quil," Bella greeted. "I was wondering if I could have a few words with you..."

"I have a visual, move in." Jacob thought. He let a low growl escape his throat, and leaped from the trees.

Leah was on his right, Jared on his left. Emmett followed directly behind Jacob, and they were running, no, flying through the woods. Jared was the first one to spring. He leapt and aimed at Quil's throat.

There was a glint of silver in the sunlight, and Jared went down in a yelp.

"GUN!" Emmett yelled, and grabbed it away from Quil, but not before another shot was discharged, and the thin grey wolf running on Jacob's right went down in a heap.

Leah.

"LEAH!" Jacob thought, phased back in a second, and knelt down to her. The bullet hole entered right under her rib cage on the right, and she was laying in the dirt, panting. Her big brown eye starred up at him with intensity, and he knew what she would say now, what she meant, what she wanted him to do without her speaking. He had to finish this. Jacob looked up and Bella was bent over Jared. Emmett had Quil wrapped in a bear hug. Soon, the others would be here. "Leah," Jacob whispered, stroking her soft fur that was matted with blood.

"He's hurt bad!" Bella called back to Jacob.

"He'll heal, get to Quil!" Sam yelled, running past Jacob.

"Got him," Emmett confirmed.

"Leah!" That was Seth's voice, and he joined Jacob on the ground beside his sister.

"Don't worry," Jacob soothed. "I got this." He turned to Seth, "Stay with her," He said, and got to his feet.

A million emotions flooded through Jacob as his eyes locked on Quil in Emmett's grasp. Just for a split second, Quil's face turned to a surprise before returning back to its scowl. Jacob felt every eye on him as he walked straight forward to the old man. They were all here now; vampire and werewolf, watching him.

He was sure his face masked Quil's. Anger. Deceit.

A slight mist began to rain down from the heavens, the drops stinging his shoulders and rolling down upon his clenched fists. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the younger Quil turn his head. Ho embarrassing this must be for his poor friend. Jacob's heart went out to him, but he kept on walking, until his big toes brushed up against Quil's big black boot.

They stood there for a moment, eying each other.

And then Quil spoke, "For a moment there, you looked like Ephraim." His eyes darted up to Emmett, and then back to Jacob. "For a moment."

"Funny," Jacob rasped, "You still look like a murderer."

Quil's eyes narrowed, "Everything I did was out of love for your brothers, and Ephraim. What have you done, Jacob Black? You have took everything we stood for, everything we believed in, and threw it down the drain!"

Jacob's balled fists grabbed the front of Quil's jacket. How much longer could he stand here and listen to this? About how it should be, because that's the way Quil wanted it? "You selfish bastard," Jacob rasped. "You killed Harry, you killed Kim, you hurt my father, you turned our brothers against us! You don't deserve to live!" He grabbed the gun out of Sam's hand, and placed the muzzle to Quil's stomach. "Maybe I should let you taste your own medicine."

A grim smile spread across Quil's face, "As I thought." He closed his eyes and said, "Ephraim would do the same. Show me how much like us you really are."

Jacob was squeezing the gun so hard his hand started to tremble. All it would take was one movement of his finger, that was all, and this would be all over. It was what Quil deserved.

And then a hand was placed upon a shoulder. Jacob looked over, and Leah was there, on her feet, the front of her shirt soaked with blood. And he remembered her words, what she told him about choices, what he had said the night before."Get this piece of shit out of my sight," Jacob whispered, and lowered the gun.

Quil's eyes snapped open. The look of horror and bewilderment was something that would stay with Jacob forever.

It all happened fast then. Emmett took off in a blur with Quil in his arms, Rosalie, Jasper and Alice right behind him.

Jared sat on the ground, his head buried in his hands, Sam was over him, talking.

Jacob turned to Leah. Before he could ask how she was, she covered her lips with his. Perhaps this was not a moment for words. Perhaps there were things that could be said without them. Things would be okay now. He was sure of it.