Chapter 10:

Edward's POV:

" He's here," I said as I got up. My senses were overwhelmed with Jacob Black. My favorite smell drifted to me. I inhaled deeply.

"Who's here," asked Bella, confused.

"Jake," I replied distractedly as I followed Jacob's scent.

I smiled as I read his thoughts. He was as eager to see me as I was to see him. Nervous too, and a little cautious. He's been rushing to get here-to his family. To me.

I opened the front door as he was getting off his bike and instantly his thoughts closed off. Frowning, I waited up the stairs for him. I watched him walk towards me, and nervously fidget with his hands before finally putting them in his pockets.

"Hey," he called out as he got closer.

"You're hiding from me again," I said, ignoring his greeting. He flushed as he mumbled, "Can't help it."

"Open your mind for me, pup," I insisted.

"No," he replied firmly.

"Jake," I whispered softly and as I moved closer to him, he took a step back. Reaching out, I placed a hand on his arm to stop him. I moved closer yet and pressing my face against the crook of his neck, I inhaled him.

" You smell so good," I, all but moaned.

He gulped and stepped away from me, " Is Bella here?"he asked me.

I nodded, confused as to where he was going with this.

"Why don't you stop whatever this is? And go back to your girlfriend?"

" I was just smelling you," I replied.

" Yeah. Well, don't. I am not a perfume store," he snapped.

" Jacob, I thought we were gonna be friends?" I asked, slightly confused.

"Friends," he hissed, " don't go around smelling other friends. You're killing me, Edward. You're killing me." As he continued towards the front door, I called out to him, "Jacob, yes. You're right. I just can't help be drawn to your smell. It's my favorite scent. I won't do it again. I'm sorry," I said, " let's not fight today."

"Fine. Can we go in now? I'm starving."

Giving him a smile, " Yeah. We were waiting for you to eat," I replied.


As soon as we stepped back inside, every vampire in the house, but Rosalie got up to fuss over Jacob. He turned to look at me, with his puppy eyes as if he was begging me to save him from my family.

I gave him a small smile of encouragement, knowing there was absolutely nothing I could do to take away all the attention everyone was giving him.

Esme enveloped him in a hug. I didn't even know how this was possible. At 6'7 and with his large frame, Jacob towered over Esme. I guess it sort of help that Jacob was gracious enough to bend down and accept her hug. She pressed a kiss on his forehead and welcomed him. Carlisle watched their interaction with an adoring smile. Soon enough, it was his turn and he gave Jacob a very fatherly hug with a slap on the back.

Poor Jacob was beet red. He was flushed with the attention. Next was Alice. She bounded to him and reminded me very much of Seth Clearwater. I, almost laughed when Jacob wrapped his arms around her in a makeshift hug. You could barely see any Alice left once she stepped into his arms. I could tell from the stiff body posture that Jacob had that he was feeling very uneasy with this whole situation. Jasper was hovering by the pair, a little bit jealous that Jacob was hugging his mate, but predominantly, he couldn't stay away from Jacob. His thoughts suggested that he felt like a moth to a flame. Quite literally. Jasper felt the need to move closer to Jacob's warmth. His positive attitude. His energy. When Alice, finally stepped away from Jacob, she stepped into Jasper's arms, who in return gave Jacob a slight nod of the head and a tight smile. Emmett, was less conservative about his feelings than Jasper. Brash and bold, Emmett shook Jacob's hands and slapped him on the back.

"Dude, we were waiting for you," said Emmett.

Clearing his throat, " Me?" asked Jacob clearly confused.

"Yeah. Check this out, Jazz and I set a wrestling ring outside in the backyard. We should wrestle. Vampires versus wolves."

" Now?" asked Jacob as he furrowed his eyebrows, " there's a thunderstorm on the way."

" Yeah, that's why we can wrestle now. Come'on, don't tell me you're scared of a little friendly competition."

"Please," scoffed Jacob, " there's more of us. We are gonna whoop your vampiric ass." The rest of the pack joined in with their cheers and cat calls.

" Whatever, we have Eddie."

" So? We can take him," asked Jacob.

" You won't fight Eddie, would you?"

" Someone else can!"

" Alright then, bring it on, puppy!"

"Dude," cried Paul from his seat, "I call dibs on Edward."

Jacob shot Paul a look, " No. Not you, Paul," he growled.

" I won't hurt him. It's just a little friendly competition."

"I said no, Paul."

" I think I can speak for myself," I intervened, shooting Jacob a glance, " I have no problem fighting Paul."

"He won't hurt me," I added for Jacob's benefit, who was now scowling.

Perched on her seat, Bella cried, " You, boys aren't serious, right?"

"Totally serious, Bells," replied Jacob with a mischievous smile on his face.

"Edward," she called out to me as she came over, "you're not gonna go fight, are you?"

" No, he won't," replied Jacob as he gave Bella a tight smile.

"Don't tell me what to do, pup," I said, " I will fight and I will be fighting Paul."

"Paul hates you," he countered mentally, as he glanced over to Paul who was smirking.

" Not really," I answered back in a very low tone that I know only he and every other being with superior hearing would pick up.

"Fight Jared."

"Paul."

" Embry"

"Paul."

" Quil"

" Paul."

"Seth."

" God no."

"Leah. You can have a go at her. I won't mind if you took a chunk of her hair out, I promise."

Smirking, I shook my head. " Paul. Or you?"

He gaped at me. " No definitely not."

" Why not?"

" You know why."

" No, I don't. Either it's Paul or it's you."

" I can't," he whined mentally.

" Well, then it's settled. Paul it is," I said loudly enough for even Bella to pick up.

"Can you stop with the mental talking?" asked Bella, indignantly as she planted her hands on her hips and glared at the both of us. Guess, she hadn't miss that little conversation.

"Lunch," called Esme, cleverly interrupting the discussion and thoughts of the impending wrestling match left every wolves mind and they turned towards the deck where the food was setup.


Bella's POV:

I felt like I had stepped into twilight zone or something. Everything was so weird. I haven't had the chance to sit with Edward, yet. I didn't want to sound like a whining and clingy girlfriend. So, I gave him a little space.

This whole afternoon was starting to creep me out. The wolves and the vampires were getting along so well-like they've been doing it for years and not a few hours. Even Billy seemed at ease. Though, I have to admit, he was not as comfortable as everyone else, he was still making an effort.

The only one who looked out of place was Jake. I guess this was the hardest on him. It was hard to be with the girl you liked in her boyfriend's house with his family. Having lunch. It seemed a little weird to me that everyone was treating him like he was royalty or he was the prodigy child. Ever since, he walked through the door, he had been the center of attention. Especially from the Cullens. They were going out of their way trying to make Jacob feel at home.

First, Edward had gone and gotten him from the porch. He came in all flushed and Edward was wearing his personalized crooked smile, that melted my heart every time. Esme had rushed to greet him. Hugged and kissed him. Jacob hadn't even protested! Carlisle, who was usually not the touchy feely type hugged him as well. Even Alice, my said best girl friend. Emmett!

That mental conversation that Edward and Jacob had over whether Edward should or shouldn't fight Paul was very unusual too. I had an uneasy feeling. Like they were hiding something from me and looking at everyone fuss over Jacob made me dislike the fact that this lunch was all about him and his pack. No one paid any attention to me. Not even Edward.

Even now, we were seated at the large table that was put out on the Cullen's covered deck. The wolves and I were seated to eat lunch. Carlisle was flipping burgers in a corner, under Billy's watchful eye. Esme, Emily and Sue were in the kitchen. I could hear laughter ringing from there. The wolves, Emmett and Jasper were loud, as usual. As Rosalie came out on the deck, I saw that she was being followed by Rachel Black. They, both had smiles on their faces.

"What's wrong, love?" Edward whispered as he leaned in, closer to me.

" Your sister is smiling," I whispered back, while gesturing inconspicuously towards Rosalie.

Edward laughed and nodded, as he glanced at his sister.

"Yeah, she is, isn't she?"

"Jake," I called, trying to get his attention. He was staring into space in our general direction. Blinking, he looked at me.

"What?"

"When did Rachel come back?"

"Oh. Uhm... couple of days ago?" he replied as if he wasn't sure.

"What's the matter with you?" I asked, concerned about my friend.

"Nothing. Why?"

"You've been acting weird. First, you disappear for almost 4 days and now you're sitting here and staring off into space?"

"Bella, leave the poor guy alone," said Edward, softly.

" No, I want to know."

" Everything is fine, worrying," replied Jacob.

" Bella," interrupted Sam, " Jake's been working extra hard for the pack. He's a little tired. And crabby. Don't mind him."

Glancing up at Edward to see if Sam was lying or not, I found him staring at Jacob, instead with a small frown on his face. Like he was trying to figure out what was wrong with Jacob.

" Wolf-boy," called Emily as she came out of the kitchen, "would you mind helping me with the food?" I looked around the table to find who she was talking to. When her eyes caught mine, she flushed slightly.

As Edward stood up, "Where are you going?" I asked.

" To help Em out," he replied before blurring to the kitchen.

Why did Emily just call my boyfriend 'Wolf-boy'? Did Edward just called Emily Young 'Em'?


Lunch was a quiet affair, well for me anyway. And Jacob. I was having whiplash from turning my head back and forth between people as I watched them banter amicably with each other. Even Edward seemed really comfortable. Even though, he was sitting next to me, holding my hand, he barely said a word to me. However, he seemed to have no problem conversing with Emily and Sam. And the rest of the pack for that matter.

The newest addition to the pack, Seth Clearwater was sitting next to Jacob and was trying to engage Jake in a conversation. The latter kept his answers strictly monosyllabic.

"Jacob, did you want some more food?" asked Esme, sounding very maternal as she glanced at his empty plate.

"No, thank you," he replied very politely and awkwardly, though he did flash Esme a smile which seemed to melt her heart.

"You barely ate," commented Edward, who's head had snapped to the conversation between his mother and the shifter.

"I had enough, thanks," Jacob replied stiffly, and a little sarcastically. Good to know that Jacob will always be Jacob. I smiled a little.

As they both stared each other down, Esme interrupted, "What about you, Bella dear?"

"No, thanks Esme. I'm full," I replied, grinning at her before turning my attention back to my boyfriend and my best friend.

Jacob went back to ignoring Edward as the latter gave him a dirty look and returned to his conversation with Emily. Or wolf-girl, like he called her.


Jacob's POV

This...was torture. This luncheon was harder than I had expected. It was hard being around Edward and yet, not be with him. It was, however, harder to watch him play perfect boyfriend to my best friend. Somehow, in the midst of everything, he still found time to watch me like a hawk. While everyone cleared the deck, I managed to sneak out and away from everyone. Stepping into the living room by myself, I found the door that led to the away and onto the balcony, I drew in a sharp breath of fresh air. It smelt wonderful. It would rain soon, I could tell. The air was crisp and slightly cold. Closing my eyes, I just enjoyed the feeling of the cool breeze on my skin. It felt amazing.

" What are you doing here?" came a sharp, female voice that I had barely heard today.

Turning around, I came face to face with Rosalie Hale Cullen.

Propping myself with my forearms, I leant against the railing, " Hey, blondie," I replied with a resigned voice. I wasn't in the mood to make fun of her or be mean.

" Mutt," she replied in her usual manner, but somehow the word was not laced with hatred and disgust, like it usually does. It was more of a greeting. She moved closer and stood next to me, without saying a word.

"What's the matter?" she asked, finally when I made no move to start a conversation.

" Nothing," I lied.

" Oh, please. Jacob Black, personal sunshine of La Push is standing out here brooding while my brother is outside, mingling like he is the fucking President. Does this imprint involve switching personalities?"

I felt the corners of my mouth lift up in a small smile, " What is he so fuckin' happy 'bout anyways?"

" I have no idea," she replied with a shrug.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I said, a little skeptical. Rosalie Cullen was not exactly pro-wolf. She always sneered around us and complained about the smell. A lot. Called us names. Sometimes, she's even refused to acknowledge us. She's never hidden her dislike for us. I was surprised when I saw her talking to Rachel before, but then again Rachel doesn't stink as much as we do.

" Coz of Edward," she replied as if her answer made the most sense.

" What about him?"

" He's happy, have you not noticed?"

I frowned. Edward Cullen was not the kind of guy who walked around with a smile on his did he make small talk. He seemed to be doing a lot of both today though.

" Oh for god's sake, Fido. He's been happier since the imprint."

" Why would he be happy? We are not..." I mumbled as my frown and my blush deepened.

" I know. Yet, he's much happier. In case you haven't noticed Edward does not smile. But, ever since you imprinted on him, he's been much nicer to be around. He's not such a p.m.s-ing bitch."

I smiled faintly at her words.

" He smiles more," she continued, " have you noticed how he gets along with your family?"

I thought about the day we've had so far, Edward's been getting along with my pack amazingly, " They're just cutting him some slack coz of me and he's just being a good host."

" No. Edward is comfortable with them. I noticed it when he came to Alaska, wearing a grin."

" He was grinning?" I asked. I couldn't not feel good about this. He was grinning after our talk. After I kissed him. I felt a smile tug on the corners of my mouth and as I turned to face Rosalie, I gave her a full blown smile.

She nodded, smiling back at me.

" You're smiling at me," I said, deadpanned.

" You're smiling at me," she pointed out.

"So, are we, like, friends now?"

"Don't be such a girl, mutt," she replied while facing the forest, and wearing a smile.

I smiled. Again.

Maybe this wasn't so bad. The Cullens liked me. Rosalie liked me. Edward was grinning. Maybe there was hope for us, after all.

"Why aren't you, two together again?"

" He says he loves Bella," I replied, cocking my head to the side to watch her.

Her face crumbled in anger.

" They're not mates."

" That doesn't matter. His heart belongs to her."

" And yours?"

Flexing my jaw, "With him," I replied while watching a mother bird feeding her little ones.

"Is this why you've been so...spaced out? Coz you love him?"

" No. I'm pretty clear on how I feel about him. It's just this whole imprinting thing is confusing me.I don't know if my feelings for him are real or not. Your family hated me 4 days ago. Now, we are having lunch. Playing games. It's been a whirlwind since that day in the clearing and I don't think I've had the chance to sit down and think about this whole thing yet. I'm so confused."

" Well, I don't know anything about the imprint," replied Rosalie, " but, I do know that your feelings can't be fake. Coz if they were, you wouldn't be here. You wouldn't be so agonized over tormented."

I could feel the water works coming.

"I just... I just don't know what to do. It seems like no matter what I do-I get hurt. I can't be with him but, I can't be without him either. It makes me physically sick to be away from him. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I'm so tired," I said, feeling tears prickle the back of my eyes.

Rosalie turned to face me, and then did the one thing I would never have expected from her.

She pulled me in for a hug and rubbed my back. Suddenly, I couldn't do it anymore. I had no self-control left. I held on to her tightly and allowed the tears to slip on my nose. Somehow, I knew that, after today I wouldn't be able to hate Rosalie Cullen anymore.

" Thanks, Blondie," I whispered in her hair.

" Don't mention it, mongrel. For the record, we are friends now. If you think you can handle this," she replied as she gestured to herself with one of her hands.

I laughed a little in between my tears, and pulled back to give her a smile. Her amber eyes were glassy too-I'm guessing if she was human, she would be bawling at this point.

" You would be crying right now, if you could. Wouldn't you?" I teased.

" Cujo, you're crying. I don't think you can make any snide comments about my crying!"

I stuck my tongue out at her which made her giggle.

" I bought a 1939 vintage Cadillac last week. It came yesterday. Wanna check it out?"

" Are you for real?" I asked.

" Uh huh."

" No fuckin' way. Are you gonna drive that?"

"No."

" Then, why did you get it?"

" It's a good car. Plus, 1939 was a good year."

"Oh god. You were alive when people use to ride that thing?"

" You wanna see it or not?" she asked indignantly, with her hands on her hips.

Laughing, " Only if we can test drive it," I replied.

" You can, if you want."

" No... you gotta be the one driving it."

" Women did not drive then," she replied as she turned towards the door.

" Well, it's a good thing it's not 1939 anymore. Come on, Blondie. Please?" I asked as I made my puppy eyes at her.

" Fine. Don't look at me like that. You look like a real mutt."

I grinned at her and turned to follow her inside. And froze...