Chapter Ten

The Commitment Ceremony

I curled up on the couch hoping I might drift off to sleep, so I wouldn't miss a thing tonight. I guess I had been asleep for a couple of hours when I was jarred awake by a knock at the door. Sleepily I opened it to find Quil and Embry waiting to come in.

I rubbed my eyes and asked, "what are you guys doing here? Come on in."

They looked at each other and smiled wide grins. Embry seemed to blush a little, but not Quil. He was his usual self.

"Hey Bella, you're looking great as usual. Don't I get a hello hug?"

Embry was looking down and rubbing his neck, like he was a little nervous to be here. I hadn't had time to process what Quil asked, when he stepped forward and wrapped his big arms around me.

"Okay, okay, let me go. Hi to you too."

He stepped back and looked me up and down, grinning like a cat who just caught a bird.

"Oh that," I said, looking down at the floor. "I'm sorry about you guys getting caught up in Jake's, um, memories. I hope Sam had some luck in helping him focus a little more."

I looked back up, and saw Quil had continued to stare at me, I felt the heat rise from my neck up to my cheeks. But, what could I do about it, the damage was already done.

"Do you want to have a seat or something?"

"Yeah, we came to make sure you were in La Push at the right time," Embry said.

"So I guess we can wait here for a little while. Jake hasn't checked in with us today, so we're not sure if he is coming here or there. But we are betting he makes a run straight for here," he continued.

"Yeah, I know I would," Quil sneered.

"Can I get you something to drink?"

"No we're good. We'll just wait a while, then one of us will go check to see if we hear anything from Jake."

"Okay, let's see what's on television then," and I reached across Quil's arm to grab the remote. I felt the heat coming off his arm and it made me miss Jake even more. Quil, took my hand in his, looked into my eyes, and removed the remote, hitting the on button, without looking away. He sighed then turned to the screen.

"I think there's a game on," he announced.

We all sat quietly, watching the game. I was bored stiff, but what else could I do. The game lasted for over an hour. I was deep in thought, not even paying any attention to what was going on, just thinking about how it would be, when I saw Jake again. It was then that I started hearing a heart beat, thundering in my mind.. I heard breathing, then I heard his voice.

"Bella. I'm almost there."

I jumped up, pulled on my shoes, and started running for the door.

"What's going on," Embry yelled?

"He's here. Jake's coming," I screamed, as I bolted out the door.

I ran down the steps and into the forest beside my house. I hadn't gone far when I saw a huge russet figure bounding toward me. I fell down on my knees and reached out my arms. He dove for me, knocking me gently to the side and I rolled onto the ground. He was standing over me, panting. I ran my fingers through his long thick fur, and as I did he began to moan and a humming sound escaped his chest.

Quil and Embry made it just in time to see Jake, lick me from my neck all the way up the side of my face. They started laughing and Jake did it again, this time on the other side. Embry said he was on his way to tell the others to get ready, and Quil announced that he was driving me to La Push. About that time, Jake sniffed of my shirt, then turned and gave him a low warning growl. My guess was that he smelled the "hello hug" Quil had given me.

I managed to get up and wrapped my arms around Jake's big neck.

"Oh, Jake. I've missed you so much. You came back to me. You came back to me."

Tears began welling up in my eyes and were soon running down my cheeks. Jake licked them away and nudged me toward Quil.

"I'll see you there. Jake. I love you."

He answered with a piercing howl that left the hair standing on back of my neck.

I ran toward Quil, with butterflies dancing in my stomach. He grabbed my hand and we ran toward the house.

"Quil, Can you put this stuff in the truck, while I change?"

"Sure. But..." I was up the stairs before he finished. I washed my face and hands, then quickly stripped and put on the white dress. I pulled my flat white tennis shoes on. Leah didn't say I had to match perfectly, I thought, anyway the ceremony is supposed to be outside.

I ran back downstairs and Quil was waiting for me.

"That was fast. I wonder. Would you have been that excited to see me," he said , half joking

"Bella. You look beautiful. But I bet the sleeves of this dress should come off the shoulders, like this."

He pulled the puffy sleeves carefully off my shoulders. I knew this, but I wasn't going to do it until I got there. But I ignored him, and ran to get into the truck. As he had said, he was driving, and wouldn't take no for an answer.

He smiled the whole trip, and I saw him watching me out of the corner of my eye. He was driving much faster than I would have, but I was in a hurry too, so I didn't say anything.

"Jake sure is lucky Bella. Do you know that?"

"I'm the lucky one Quil, to have Jake," I smiled.

We made it to the reservation and Quil parked my truck at Leah's house. Then he grabbed my hand and we ran down to the beach.

"We've never done anything like this ceremony thing before. I'm a little excited too, " he said, as we ran.

We reached the beach just as the sun was going down. There was a big bonfire and everyone was there, everyone that knew about the werewolves anyway. They felt this part of the beach would be safe from prying eyes.

The pack was standing to one side of the bonfire in a circle as Quil joined them. The guys had taken off their shirts, and Leah was wearing a mini shirt and tank top, they were all barefoot. The Elders which consisted of Billy, Old Quil, Sam, and Sue Clearwater, stood on the outer edges of the wolf circle.

Old Quil spoke up, "we have come here today to partake in this ancient, but solemn Commitment Ceremony, which has been handed down to us from our ancestors. The young russet wolf, has chosen to leave his imprinting behind in favor of the young maiden who stands before us today."

He motioned for me to join then in the circle. As I approached, the pack opened up, and made an entrance for me, then they closed the circle around me. I felt so safe here. I felt their warmth and I finally felt like they were my family. The pack knelt down on their knees as Old Quil continued.

"The time has come for us to see the russet wolf make a pledge of his love to the young maiden Bella, who stands in wait for him. Let him come forth and confirm that he has chosen her as his one and only mate."

Jake stepped from the shadows and approached the circle. Quil and Embry stood and made an entrance for Jake. He came into the circle and they closed it around us.

I stood very still, not sure what I was to do, or what would happen next. Jake came to me and began circling me looking up and down as he made each pass. Something told me he was being a bit of a showoff, but I didn't mind. I had him back, that was what was important.

He stopped in front of me on the third pass and stood up on his haunches, towering above me. He laid one paw on my shoulder and I reached out and rubbed his chest. He moaned and closed his eyes. Then he backed away, and Quil and Embry stood up and placed a leather type cloth in front of him about waist high. Jared and Seth, held another behind him in the same manner.

I watched with curiosity as Jake began to tremble, he seemed to struggle to pull inward. I wondered if it was hard for him, having been in his wolf form for two weeks. But Jake was strong. They had all said he was advanced in his abilities to transform, in some ways more so than Sam. Slowly, he began to change, right before my eyes, until there he stood, my Jacob. He reached down and took his shorts from the string attached to his calf. Then Quil and Embry moved as he walked toward me.

"To all who have come to this ceremony today, I ask that you witness my pledge to this young woman, of my love and commitment. I have given up any claim I might have had to imprinting, after many days of solitude in the wilderness. I choose this one, Isabella Marie Swan, as my mate for life."

As Jake spoke these words, so sincere and full of love, I almost felt like we were getting married, I wished at that moment we were. I didn't care that the world saw him only as seventeen years old. I would have said yes right then and there. But, I knew he wanted to wait. So I absorbed every word he had just spoken to me and watched as he came closer.

He reached out and touched my face with his hand. He was dirty and his hair stuck out all around his head. If I hadn't known the true Jake that was inside, I might have been a little frightened. But I loved him, dirt and all. His eyes were dark, but warm, in the firelight and I saw my reflection in them. He had chosen me. Tonight I was the luckiest woman in the world.

He bent over and wrapped his arms around my waist, hoisting me up against his chest. My feet dangled as he lifted me off the ground.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and whispered, "welcome home Jake."

Then he kissed me. It lasted for forever and it felt like I was being spun around and around. I was getting dizzy, but I knew I wouldn't fall, I was safely in his arms.

Old Quil spoke up again, "My friends. We are all witnesses to the choice made by the great russet wolf for his beloved Bella."

The pack then formed the circle around us again and Leah stepped forward and sang a beautiful Quileute song as Seth kept time with an Indian drum. It was the most moving performance I had ever heard.

When it ended, Old Quil spoke again, "now my friends, let the feast begin."

Then there was a great shout and everyone broke off and started walking toward Leah's house. They wouldn't let me bring anything, saying that it was all their treat.

"Bella. I've missed you so much. I've got so much to tell you, about my experience. But first, I bet you'd really prefer I took a shower and go cleaned up."

"I don't care what you smell like. I'm just glad you're back," I said, as I kissed his forehead and dirty cheeks.

"Well, I do. I'll drop you off at Leah's then run clean up. I'll be back in just a few minutes. Okay?"

"Okay."

So he walked me to Leah's, then ran home to shower and clean up.

There was food everywhere. It wasn't until I smelled the delicious aroma that I realized I hadn't eaten lunch. I got a drink, but decided to wait for Jake to get back before I ate.

"Leah. The song you sang was beautiful. I didn't know you spoke the Quileute language."

"Yeah, my dad taught us when we were small. Bella. The song was the love story of the only other wolf in our history to give up his imprinting. It is the song he wrote for the one he loved. Some day I'll translate the words for you, if you'd like?"

"I'd love that Leah. Thank you."

"Hey Seth, you did a great job on the drum too, you were amazing."

"Thanks Bella. I'm just glad things are working out for you and Jake. The two of you look so happy together. You must really love him, to have kissed him with two week old werewolf breath," he said, as he waved his hand in front of his nose, then we all started laughing.

I didn't hear Jake return. He slipped up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, putting his chin on my shoulder.

"Oh, you scared me, Jake," I said, as he hugged me tightly.

"Are you hungry? I was waiting to get back before I ate."

"I could eat everything in this room. I'm tired of wild game. I want some junk food."

"Shall we, then?" I held out my hand gesturing toward the kitchen.

While we filled our plates, Jake asked, "so who kept you company while I was gone," and raised an eyebrow at me waiting for the answer.

"I hung out mostly with Leah, Seth, and Billy. They kinda felt sorry for me."

"Did you really miss me Bella?"

"Jake. You shouldn't even have to ask."

We sat went to the counter in the corner of the kitchen to eat. Jake must have been hungry. He was eating everything. I watched him as he ate. How easily he came back into his human side, after having been a wolf for two weeks. He was perfect. His hair, his dark skin, his white teeth, everything.

I noticed too that he seemed more muscular than before. I guess all his running and jumping had added to his physique and it showed. His T-shirt hugged every new curve of muscle and his jeans were a little tighter.

He saw me watching him and tilted his head to the side, before asking, "what's wrong Bella?"

"Nothing. I was just admiring your enhanced shape," I said, smiling a dirty little smile at him.

He leaned forward and whispered, "you like it, huh? I hadn't realized, until I put my clothes on a little while ago. Maybe later you can rub some of my tired muscles, if you want to?"

We finished eating, then Jake and I went around to talk with everyone. I saw Billy sitting in the corner watching us, so I went over and got down on my knees beside his wheelchair.

"What are you thinking about Billy," I said, as I propped my chin up on the armrest with my folded hands?

"I was just watching the two of you together. I'm so very proud of Jake, and of you. You both have grown up so much over the past few months. I suspect this next year will go by like a flash. Then, I'll have a lovely daughter-in-law."

Then he patted me on the head. I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

"Billy. You're the best. Thank you for helping us through this hurdle."

"Oh, Billy, can I tell you something?" "Sure."

"Something strange happened earlier when Jake was coming home. I could hear him running, I could hear his heart beat, and I could hear him telling me he was on his way. I knew I wasn't crazy, because when I ran outside, he was there. But how is that possible?"

"Well, you and Jake are becoming as one. You've even said that he's like the air that you breathe. As Jake was on his journey, he became more focused and concentrated on you. He was choosing you as his mate. I'm sure that this is the reason you were so in tune with him today. It makes sense."

"Okay. Just as long as you don't think I'm crazy."

"No, I don't."

After a couple of hours, one by one, everyone began leaving. It was so gracious of Sue to host the feast at her house.

"Bella. Don't you need to be getting home? I don't want Charlie worried about you," Jake said, looking at the time.

"I'm staying here tonight, Jake. Leah is letting me sleep over."

His eyes lit up and a huge smile spread across his face. Leah came over to punch him in the stomach, playfully and said, "don't get any idea's, lover boy. My mom isn't that cool."

Jake, Leah, Seth, and I cleared away the food. Then Jake and Seth took out the trash. I guess Jake wanted some time to talk with Seth alone, about what all had been going on. Leah and I finished the kitchen and she went to get me a blanket and sheets for the couch. She put an extra log on the fire and we sat down to wait on Jake and Seth.

"I'll bet you're glad this thing is over. Aren't you?"

"Yeah. I feel like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. Like now I can relax and not worry so much about mystical forces stealing him away," I chuckled. "I'm sorry that you didn't get the same chance."

"It's okay. Who knows? Maybe it was for the best. Besides, Robert is pretty darn good looking, maybe even better looking than Sam. What do you think?"

We started giggling, and I grabbed her by the hands and squealed, "maybe......are you going to give him a chance?"

"We'll see. He may not even ask me out, but if he does. Well, we'll see."

Jake and Seth came back in as we were giggling.

"What are you two up to," Jake quizzed?

"Oh, nothing yet," Leah confirmed.

She told us goodnight and congratulations, and Seth followed with the same. Sue had taken a shower, and told us both goodnight.

"Jake. I don't mind you staying as long as you like. I know you two have a lot to catch up on. But, I'm warning you. You better be a gentleman. Do I have your word?"

Jake got up and kissed her on the cheek, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"Now Sue, would I be anything but a gentleman?"

He leaned back to look her in the eye, then smiled a crooked little smile at her.

"You're the best Sue. Thanks for everything."

"Night Bella. You let me know if he gives you any trouble."

"I will Sue. Thanks for everything. Um, do you mind if I take a quick shower? My hair smells like smoke."

"Sure, help yourself. Let Leah know if you need anything."

I gave Jake a quick kiss, and asked him to go get my things out of the truck. He quickly came back carrying my bag. And I went to the shower. I got ready for the night in record time, knowing this was a rare occasion for Jake and I to be able to be together all night if we wanted to, even if it was under guarded conditions.

Jake had spread the sheets on the sofa and had the blanket ready for me, when I came back. He had also put another log on the fire, and the room had a nice glow to it. I was wearing my sweats and a tank top, but didn't feel uncomfortable.

He had seen me dressed like this before. He was sitting on the sofa and when he saw me he said softly, "come here and sit on my lap."

I was already there, before he finished. It felt so good to be in his arms again. Two weeks may not be that long, but they had felt like an eternity.

We talked about everything that had happened while he was gone like my job, mine and Leah's trips to Seattle, her job, and our classes that were to start on Monday. I told him how that I had been so lonely that I even went to his house and was pathetic enough to do their laundry, so I could smell his shirts. He laughed and laughed.

"Boy. You were desperate, weren't you?"

"I just missed you so much. I would have taken a nap in your bed, if Billy hadn't been home, but he was so I just copped a few sniffs from your clothes."

"Well, I'm back and you won't ever have to do that again," he said, while he continued to laugh at me.

"Jake. Now tell me about you, what was it like, for you?"

"The first night was tough. I couldn't stop thinking about you, about us. Sam helped me through it though. He gave me some pointers on how to go deeper inside myself, and store my memories away for another time."

He leaned away so he could look me in the eyes, "Bella. I'm so sorry. I tried not to think about you, but I couldn't stop. Everything was still so fresh in my mind, and I had to leave so suddenly. I'm going to have a long talk with the other guys about keeping my memories out of their heads too. Those belong to me, to us."

I blushed as I too remembered our private times together.

"Well, good luck with that. I've already had to deal with looks from a few of them," I confessed.

"But, I do understand. Leah said for me to get use to it. It's all a part of being in this family."

"Yeah, but I didn't help things by not being able to control my thoughts. I'll try harder to focus, in the future."

He rubbed the back of my neck as he stared thoughtfully at the fire in the fireplace, and continued, "the next few days were a little easier. When you let go of the human side, and focus more on the wolf, things get a little clearer. I was living as the wolf, eating, drinking, sleeping, and running. Then, I focused on you, as the only one I wanted in my life. If that is what it means to leave the imprinting thing behind, than that is what I did. You became the center of my being, my purpose. When I felt this, then I knew it was time to come home."

We talked quietly until 2:00 a.m., when Jake saw I was getting sleepy, and shifted so that I was leaning into his chest as he lay back against the sofa. I feel asleep on his chest, with his arms wrapped around me. I woke up a few hours later, enough to know Jake was pulling the blanket over me, then drifted back into my dream world, as he brushed his lips against my forehead.

I could hear soft voices, in the back of my mind, but couldn't quite figure out if I was still dreaming, or if I was trying to wake up.

I heard a woman's voice, it must have been Sue's say, "Jake I thought I told you to be a gentleman?"

"Sue I was. We talked until early this morning, then she curled up on my chest and fell asleep. I couldn't move. I didn't want to move, I just wanted to hold her while she slept, that's all."

"All right, all right. I remember what it was like to be young and in love." Then I heard her laugh as she went to the kitchen.

When I did finally pull out of my slumber, Jake was still holding me.

"Good morning, sleepy head," he said, as he kissed me softly on the cheek.

"How did you sleep last night?" I stretched and yawned. "I'm a little stiff, how about you?" "I've never been better," he whispered, "after all, it was our first night together," he teased.

We got up, and I went to change clothes, and Jake folded up the sheets and blanket. He was in the kitchen talking with Sue, when I returned. She seemed to like Jake very much. Since Harry had died, she had spent more and more time with Jake and his dad. I guess they kept her company after her loss.

As if she knew what I was thinking, she turned to Jake and said, "call your dad and have him come down for breakfast. We can all eat together. Good morning Bella. I trust you slept well last night?"

"Yeah, I guess I did. Thanks again for letting me stay. Jake and I talked most of the night, until I passed out. Can I help you fix breakfast?"

"Sure, you get the eggs and biscuits out of the fridge and I'll get the pans."

We worked together preparing breakfast, while Jake called his dad. Leah and Seth came in when the smelled the food cooking and we all sat around talking, while we waited on Billy.

Leah leaned over the table and whispered to me, "so, how was last night?"

"Great, I fell asleep on Jake's chest. I think we're both a little stiff," I replied, while rubbing my neck.

As soon as Billy arrived, Sue and I served breakfast, then everyone ate and talked. This was like having a big family. It felt nice to be there. Sue told us she would clean up, after we had finished, as she was sure we had better things to do.

Jake, Leah, Seth, and I went for a walk on the beach. It was a cool morning, but the sun was shining. Leah and I talked about what the week would hold for us and how we hoped that our classes would be easy for the first couple of weeks at least. Jake was excited about starting his new job the next morning, and Seth was glad to have the place to himself for the summer. I'll bet he was going to miss having Leah and Jake around during the day though, he just wouldn't admit it.