"Nothing in life is ever random. Everything that happens is supposed to happen. Trust the process."

-Unknown.

That night the house was lively chatter and infectious laughter. The boys were rowdy as usual even with Harry, Sue, Seth, and Leah Clearwater joining the dinner feast. My mother was seated next to Billy Black smiling and laughing about when Jacob was younger. Bella wasn't here which was a bit sad but I supposed I'd see her tomorrow. Despite the obvious tension between Sam and Leah things were going rather well. I was happy to be with my family. Gabriel was speaking to most of the group as they asked questions about Kitsunes and such. Ekko was curled up in my lap dozing off into a slumber. It had been a long and tiring day and I wanted to go to sleep but I didn't want to leave this happy bubble.

Jacob was having a eating competition with Paul, Jared, Embry to see who could scruff the most food down but Emily scolded them saying that they shouldn't be greedy and to save some for the rest of us. "I wonder what this will mean now," Harry spoke up in a gruff but gentle voice as he gazed at me somehow silencing the chatter immediately, "In terms of enemies, I mean, you said that you were warned about the possible chance of others of your kind coming to hunt you down, yes?"

Jacob stiffened almost immediately but I remained cool and collected as I nodded, "Yes but this is the reason why Gabriel is here and if we need to call upon more backup then I assure you I have plenty of new friends willing to help if we were ever faced with this problem." I spoke up gently as I picked at my food finding that my appetite wasn't quite with me tonight. I really wanted to climb into my beloved bed and sleep until tomorrow evening.

Harry's eyes flickered momentarily towards a stiff Jacob, "I don't mean to sound harsh but you must understand that I only have the Tribe's safety in mind." He explained when he glanced around the now silent table.

Sam was the first to speak, "I know you do, Harry, but she's isn't some outsider. This is my sister. She's always been family." Sam frowned at the older man.

Harry nodded a bit stiffly, "I am not saying that she's an outsider or anything in ill-will towards her, Sam, I was just stating that we have much to take into consideration now. With the vampire that is hunting Bella and posing a threat to the others in Forks…maybe it would've been a wiser choice to let her kind take care of her—"

The sound of Jake's fist shaking the entire table silenced Harry almost immediately, "Serena is a Quileute by birth and what she is now does not matter. She belongs here with her family where she's safe. We are not going to abandon her just because of the slight possibility of her having enemies." Jacob was desperately trying to keep a respectful tone but was failing as his face was twisted into a scowl.

"Jacob's right," Paul spoke up frowning slightly at the older man, "We've always been able to overcome any enemy together as a family. Serena being a Kitsune and having even Gabriel brings us to a great advantage against out enemies and any new ones. There's nothing to worry about, Harry." Paul didn't often speak without his usual snark and that gave Harry a very serious idea that he was treading dangerous waters.

"Harry," It was my mother who spoke up a bit too softly for my liking, "What are you worried about? You should glad that we have such a rare advantage."

Harry glanced around the table seeing that most of the stares he was receiving were most likely going to opposed whatever he said. "I'm just trying to protect my family and keep them safe," Harry spoke up a bit coldly, "This is something unheard of…a Kitsune born human…born within a werewolf tribe…it's unheard of. It raises many concerns for me. Kitsunes are very powerful and tricky creatures and if some decide to suddenly come here…we are not prepared to handle another type of magical being especially ones so much more powerful then us." Harry glanced at his children and wife.

Sue had a frown on her face and I felt tension in the air now. I dragged a sigh drawing attention towards me, "Harry, you're only digging yourself a grave," I stared at the old man head on with a dark eyes, "What you are saying is that the pack isn't strong enough? Are you trying to insult my brother? Do you believe he is not capable of keeping us safe? What are you trying to achieve right now? Because as you speak of what dangers I might bring I am hearing that you do not believe my brothers and mate can keep us safe." My voice was unusually sharp and harsh and found myself getting angry.

Ekko stirred as if feeling my anger and Gabriel glanced at me worriedly but remained silent knowing he had no say in our Tribe's matters. Jacob gently gave my hand a squeeze but I ignored the looks I was receiving and kept my eyes on Harry who was frowning at me. "You know that isn't what I am trying to say," Harry urged again, "I'm trying to make you all understand the con of having you here."

"What would you have us do?" Billy remarked angrily, "Cast our family out like trash, Harry? I know you're trying to look out for your family but your fears are folly. Serena and Gabriel have connections to others that will aid us if we ever need it. Sam and his pack will keep everyone safe and are you forgetting that my son is imprinted to Serena? So, now we have to cast out Jacob as well because I am certain he will follow her but then again if you cast her out I'm sure Sam and the others will follow so, now, you have no one to protect your family." Billy's timber and quivering shook made everyone deadly quiet as Harry glared at the table knowing Billy was right.

"You would so easily side with the vampire girl who isn't even one of us but when it comes to blood…he'd rather cast Serena out." Jacob bit out angrily.

I noticed Seth and Leah staring at their plates with nervous expressions. It was obvious they didn't share their father's opinion. "I believe it is time for you to leave, Harry," Emily spoke up politely as she stood up from her seat with a small smile on her face, "It's getting rather late and Serena is far too tired for these dramatics."

Harry got up briskly with a mean frown, "I'm only trying to protect the tribe. This is my job." Harry grounded out.

"You are only bringing yourself ill-will, Harry," Billy snapped a bit impatiently, "Serena is much loved here and for you to say such cruel things to her mother, to her brother, to her mate will only result in you being disliked. We protect our own and she's is ours to protect Kitsune, vampire, werewolf, or human. This matter will not be brought up again." Billy spoke in an eerily calm but firm voice.

"Harry, enough, we did not come here to sour the mood." Sue whispered to her husband a bit angrily.

Harry ignored her and walked angrily outside with Seth and Leah trialing behind with embarrassed expressions. Well, Seth did but Leah looked happy that they were leaving. Sue glanced worriedly at her angry husband before looking at me, "I apologize dearly for his behavior…I didn't know he even felt that way. I'm so sorry he called you out like that, Serena." Sue apologized sincerely before going after her husband.

Some of the tension had left the room but not all. Sam growled angrily running a furious hand through his hair, "I can't believe he had the nerve to say something like that."

"He has been acting a bit strange lately." My mother murmured with worry.

Billy was frowning, "Aye, he's been having heart troubles and Sue said he's been acting out." Billy confirmed glancing at me with concern.

Jacob exhaled loudly and pinched the bridge of his nose, "He really just spoiled the celebration." Jacob's voice was full of resentment and anger. I wasn't sure how Harry could even say such things and especially with people who cared dearly about me but most of all, it made me very upset that he was insulting my brothers and my mate's capability of keeping this pack and town safe. Sam and the boys already had enough on their plate and now, they had Harry adding on pressure. It wasn't right putting strains onto them especially when there was a crazy vampire hunting Bella.

"His worries are folly," Gabriel finally decided to speak catching the attention of everyone, "Do not let his actions sway you. I know very well that I am capable of defending this pack and in time, Serena will as well. Serena has many new and powerful friends who are willing to fight for her." Gabriel gave a comforting smile to my family, "Don't let his words rile you up too much."

He was right. As long as we knew we could protect this pack, town, and land we shouldn't let Harry's silly worry get to us. My brothers and my mate were perfectly capable of doing their job of protecting us. Gabriel would train me and in time, I'd be ready to defend and fight for my Tribe. "We have to forgive Harry's worries and move on. We can't have strains between us during such dark times." I murmured knowing everyone could hear me.

My mother and Billy smiled happily at me and nodded in agreement, "Serena is right and Gabriel as well. Let's just forget the dinner and move on. It's getting late." My lovely mother smiled at everyone. It seemed our words did little to dull the frowns on my boys faced but they weren't as angry as before. Jacob got up a bit stiffly but when he saw that I was staring at me with concern…his face morphed gently. He gave me a loose hug and brought me to his side.

"Don't have that look," He mumbled quietly as everyone started to clean up the table, "It makes me feel bad for being upset with Harry."

I blinked softly at him and smiled warmly, "I know it's hard for you but please, don't take his words to heart. Sue said he wasn't acting like himself." I told him quietly as I went to pick up our plates but Emily gently swatted my hand away and I looked up at her curiously.

She smiled gently, "You leave this to us. You've had a long day and need to rest. Jacob can escort you to your room but he needs to come back to help us clean up." She says firmly daring for us to defy her.

I giggled as Jacob groaned, "I can't stay with her? I'm pretty tired too."

I heard Paul snort, "Of doing what? The entire day he was whining and moping around waiting for baby sister to come back!"

Jared sniggered in agreement while Jared laughed, "He took out his anger on the trees on the west side of our land!"

Jacob glared at his brothers, "Shut up before I kick your asses!" He snapped.

Billy cleared his throat sternly giving his son a glare, "Sorry." Jacob muttered with a scowl making me giggle. His eyes playfully locked onto mine before he stuck out his tongue.

"You must be forgetting that I will kick your mangy ass out of this house if you think you're sleeping in her room." Sam's voice boomed angrily as he scowled at the younger Black.

I laughed as Jacob paled slightly and snorted waving him off, "You had sex with Emily—"

"Jacob Black!" Emily smacked his shoulder with a towel rag as if to silence him.

I covered my mouth to stop from laughing as Emily blushed a wild red while Sam glared openly at Jacob before I grabbed Jacob by his bicep, which felt amazing by the way, and tugged him down the hall. Paul was wolf whistling while Jared and Embry laughed together only to be silenced by Sam's angry voice.

Ekko was being cradled like a child as Jacob and I went towards my room. I sighed missing the sweet sight of my room despite only seeing it yesterday morning. Ekko excitedly began chattering and throwing up his tiny hands before jumping off of my shoulder and exploring my room and his new home. I smiled in amusement as Jacob was about to close the door when Sam yelled out, "That goddamn door better be left open!"

Jacob scowled at the door and released his grip as I laughed, "Gotta love big brothers."

He shot me a dark but playful look before slumping into my wicker chair as I looked for clothes to take into the bathroom with me. I felt dirty and grimy and I was in desperate need for a shower. The bathroom was practically screaming my name. I was very well aware of Jake's eyes following me as I hunted for something comfortable to wear to bed and from the corner of my eye I saw him look away when I started to pick out a bra and matching underwear. I had to resist the urge to smirk at him. It was silent but it wasn't awkward or anything it was rather comforting.

"So, tomorrow in the morning I was wondering if you wanted to go out and have breakfast with me." Jake cleared his throat a bit awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

I felt a small smile tug on my lips as I looked at him, "So, I'm assuming you finally finished that Rabbit that Jared and Embry would not stop talking about?" I arched an eyebrow at him.

His eyes widen slightly and he frowned, "They really can't keep their mouths shut, can they?" Jake grumbled with a scowl before smoothing out his face and giving me a nod, "Yeah, I just finished fixing her almost a month ago." Jake answered a bit sheepishly.

I giggled, "That's cool. I miss my car." I said a bit sadly as I remembered my beat up old 1994 Pontiac that I happily named Shelia after watching a movie I couldn't recall. She had a year over me but damn, that car held so many memories for me. I was a bit sad when Dad said I couldn't bring her with me…I was sure Shelia could make the trip with new tires, an engine check, tire rotations, and new breaks but my dad had been very firm with the idea that Shelia couldn't and wouldn't make the long trek from Las Vegas to Forks, Washington.

"You have a car? What make?" Jake perked up as I leaned against my dresser with a big, happy smile.

"She's pretty old…1994 Pontiac Grand Am. I call her Shelia." I informed him proudly.

Jake laughed seeming amused, "Shelia? That's a cute name. I honestly didn't pin you as the type of girl to have a beat up old car." He honestly told me.

I smiled and nodded in agreement with him, "Yeah, that's what everyone says especially when they hear about my dad and what he does…but I think having new and fancy cars are such a hassle, ya know? Payments, higher car maintenance, having to worry about people hitting your car, and all that nonsense, bleh, I rather have a car that's already paid off and only have to worry about paying the insurance." I waved off knowing if I got too deep into the topic I'd start ranting.

Jake had this weird, gentle smile on his face when our eyes connected and I felt myself blush muttering, "I know, it's stupid." I looked away shyly.

Jake's soft chuckle touched my ears and when I glanced at him, he was simply staring with dark eyes shining and that smile on his handsome face. My heart thumped a bit louder. His smile grew slightly and I scowled playfully at him. "I never asked you before but…how are you handling…handling our bond?" Jake asked a bit warily as his dark eyes stayed glued on my face looking for my reaction.

I was a bit caught off guard and I giggled remembering the conversation I had last night with Bella before Victoria had attacked us. I looked down at my feet finding the right words to say before looking up at him with a warm smile seeing his face smooth out at my smile, "It still seems a bit unreal for me whenever I look at you…Seeing the way you look at me like I am your sun and moon…like you found your whole reason for living…it's very strange but in a good way…I wasn't much for soul mates or the whole love thing but…I'm glad I was proven wrong. I know I'm very lucky to have the bond we share because not many others are lucky as I am. I accepted the bond maybe a bit too easily and I know others will judge me for that but I could care less…in this, no, in our world this is how it works,"

Jake's intense eyes were heavily on mine as I briefly closed my eyes and murmured quietly, "It did happen fast but I think I prefer it that way. I'm glad that nothing kept us apart or stopped us from being together." I opened my eyes and smiled brightly at him.

His eyes melted slowly and turned tender as he stood up and gently crossed the room to wrap his arm gently around my waist and pulled me quietly into his chest. I happily pressed the side of my face against his board, warm chest and found the beating of his heart very alluring. It was such a strong…unique rhythm it was his alone; the sound of Jacob Ephraim Black.

I gently wrapped my arms around his waist pulling me flush against him. "You're to understanding," Jake whispered as he rested his head on top of mine. I closed my eyes enjoying his warmth, the security of his arms, his beating lullaby, his scent…and enjoying him just in general. Everything about Jacob was right…and I've never had this feeling of certainty before until I met Jacob. "You've only been understanding, kind, and amazing towards us since finding out what we are and everything with Bella…you're too good for me." Jacob whispered sounding a bit pained.

My heart skipped a beat and I shook my head as I pulled away to look up at his dark, handsome face, "Don't say things like that," I made a face, "There's a reason why we were meant to be together and you shouldn't question that." I told him quietly gently caressing the side of his face. The hum between us grew and I felt tiny sparks igniting when our skin met. Jacob closed his eyes and leaned into my touch.

He murmured, "I won't let anyone hurt you, Serena." His voice was firm…determined and full of absolute promise, "It's only been two days and yet I feel as if we've known each other our whole lives…" He laughed quietly as he opened his eyes and gazed intently at me with certain warmth.

I smiled fondly at him, "Yeah…it may sound cheesy but I think there had always been a part of us in each other because when our eyes met…I felt complete. I feel a bit dumb saying out loud because it sounds so cliché and cheesy but that's the only way to describe it. I think the reason we feel that way is because we have known each other our whole lives we just didn't know it." I looked away from his awed eyes feeling a bit lame for saying something that sounded like it came from a movie.

Jacob's finger smoothed under my chin and gently turned my head so we were facing each other and our faces were close. Our eyes met again. The hum grew again. "I can see why everyone loves you so fiercely…maybe I was wrong earlier…let me correct myself you are too good for this world." Jacob whispered a bit huskily.

Our faces were nearing and I felt my heart thumping loudly with anticipation. My blood…I could hear it roaring in my ears. I could hear his heart increasing in tempo. Was he nervous…excited? My eyes were just about to close when I heard someone clear their throat from behind us.

"Maybe we should tell Sam about this." Jared snickered.

Embry snorted with agreement, "Yeah that way we can see Jake get his ass whooped."

Paul was glaring at Jacob, "I thought you were going to wait until you took her out on her first date, you moron!" He genuinely looked upset. As I quickly shuffled away from Jake with blushing cheeks I couldn't help but to laugh at Paul's betrayed and angry face.

Jake huffed back a growl and glared at his friends, "You know I hope you guys find your imprintees so I can butt into your love lives constantly." Jake hissed.

"Yeah, I highly doubt that. Serena why don't you go take your shower? That way Sam can have another talk with Jake." Paul grinned slyly.

Jacob grunted, "Piss off."

Serena rolled her eyes and swiftly stepped around the boys to get to the bathroom but quietly said, "Leave the poor man alone, guys, give him a bit of a break, yeah? I'm pretty sure you'd want to kiss your girls the moment you saw her, right?" I asked innocently looking between Embry and Paul who hadn't found their imprintees yet. Paul scoffed but didn't say anything but Embry had a slightly red face and was looking down at his shoes.

"Did you kiss Kim when you first saw her, Jared?" I asked tilting my head to the side.

Jared's eyes widen and he rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Well, not when I instantly saw her…the urge to kiss your mate…it strengthens the bond…I kissed her by the end of the day when I realized she was mine." Jared answered with a bit of a blush.

I giggled, "Then leave my boyfriend alone." I said a bit firmly and closed the bathroom door and went to take my much deserved shower.

"Sam's still going to kick your ass." I heard Paul snort and the other two morons laugh.