Disclaimer: I do not own the 'Twilight' series or any of the respective characters created by the wonderful Stephanie Meyer. This is merely a work of fanfiction written by a devoted fan, who can't get enough of vampires and wolves and hopeless romance.

A.N. Gosh! I can't believe this chapter took so long to get here, so first of all, I'm sorry for keeping you all waiting. I can partly just blame life and all the curve balls it tends to throw, but I also had to re-write and edit this chapter at least 3 times. The original version just wasn't sitting well with me, and I know now that it's because I was trying to rush to future plots too quickly. So I had to take some time out to recalibrate myself and focus more on the current journey Nessie and Jake and everyone else are going on still, before pushing even more drama on them :P

I've also reached the conclusion that I do really want to 'rewrite' the story from Jake's POV, since there are so many plot-gaps that are begging to be filled in already. I guess that's the ultimate downfall of writing strictly in 1st person POV from strictly one character, but regardless of these cravings to start over in a new fic, I'm going to perservere, and stay faithful to Nessie's version of the story. Either I'll start on Jake's POV when I feel that I've reached the half-way mark, or I'll just wait until this story is over :) I will however, keep you posted either way!

But for now, without further ado...

Chapter 14: "Uninvited Guests"

Wednesday soon turned into Thursday, and I actually surprised myself with my newfound ability to keep my thoughts tame and under control whenever my mind slipped to Jacob. Under the circumstances though, it was much easier to lace my thoughts with worry rather than lust. Unfortunately, there was still one piece of my brain that I couldn't control; and that was the part that dictated my dreams. I tried not to feed my overactive imagination with tales of romance before bedtime, but I'm not sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing that my seemingly dreamless sleep was interrupted in the early hours of Thursday morning. Judging from the sheets caught between my legs, I'd definitely been tossing and turning during the night. If I had been dreaming - and it was doubtful that I hadn't really; I certainly didn't remember what it entailed now that I was solely excited by the sound of car wheels rolling across the dirt and gravel outside. My heart instantly leapt to my throat, and the sheets were thrown from my body in the blink of an eye as I raced to the bedroom window that overlooked the front of the house. Yet as my eyes settled on the car outside to witness a head of dirty-blonde teased-out curls appeared from the opening driver's seat door; my excitement was swiftly replaced by sheer disappointment. Uncle Jasper was home safe and sound, but there was still no sign of Jacob on the horizon.

After quizzing Jasper about Jacob's abrupt departure in Sioux Falls and why he hadn't chased after him, I finally accepted that Jasper had felt 'a lot of pent-up anger and anxiety' in him. The type of anger where he ultimately needs to phase into the wolf in order to find balance and tranquillity, and despite Jasper's own innate abilities, he refused to interfere with what he described as 'an innate and perfectly natural yearning'. It would be 'like denying a vampire the right to feel things so strongly', he said. But what about my innate yearning to be reunited with Jacob again? It had only been two days and yet, I felt my own inner scales severely unbalanced by the situation. Yet all I could do was divide my time between my family in an attempt to distract myself from just moping around like a bored and lovesick puppy. Ironic that I should be the one to compare myself to a dog…

"Besides," Jasper had added with his trademark, lop-sided smirk. "I can sure think of better ways to pass the time than bein' cooped up with nothin' but an angry mutt and a car radio for company."

I couldn't really argue with that.

Despite my attempts to not think about Jacob, which included a Stephen King thriller novel before bed on Thursday evening; I was still rudely awoken in the middle of the night. For once though, the cause of my distress wasn't due to the pleasant kind of dream that leaves me all tangled up in tight knots and panting hot sweats afterwards. On the contrary, this dream had me writhing in increasing discomfort and suspense as it fed upon my deepest fears and anxieties with an insatiable gluttony. I don't know if I actually screamed out loud beyond my subconscious thoughts, but as I shot up to sit bolt upright in my bed, I was instantly pulled into an ice cold and yet incredibly comforting embrace.

"Shh... it's okay honey." I recognised my mother's soothing voice, along with her palm, hard as marble, as it pressed against my back and rubbed in a slow and soothing rhythm. She'd done this a dozen times before, when I was younger.

"It was just a bad dream," she confirmed, like she had back then too. I hadn't had a bad dream in years though. Not since the Volturi faded away into a distant memory, and the dreamcatcher over my bed caught the last bad thought about them in its sticky web. My erratic heartbeat still pounded though, and I still squinted my eyes shut as I buried my face against my mother's shoulder. If it was 'just a dream', then why could I still see those crimson eyes behind a milky glaze, boring deep into my soul? Why could I still hear the mockery of their unanimous laughter, as tall figures cloaked in black literally squeezed the life out of their imprisoned and defenceless wolf? A wolf with stark, reddish-brown fur…

"No! It wasn't – They have him!" I suddenly exclaimed, and pushed myself away from my mother's embrace in a sudden wave of panic and heightened breaths. I needed to get on a plane. I needed to save Jacob from their evil clutches.

"Nessie –"

"No! You're not listening to me, mom! It's the Volturi –" I just about managed to spit their wretched name amidst my rapid breaths. "They've got Jake. I know they do – I saw it!" Fighting against my mother's soothing grip, I tugged my wrist free and found my feet. In a blur of amber and white, I fretted my way into my closet, not really thinking beyond the fact that I needed to pack some essentials and leave.

"I know it feels real to you right now, but –" I heard my mom's voice again, but I was way too focused on my impulsive reactions. Reaching up, I tugged my suitcase down from the top shelf of the closet. "Nessie, please, calm down."

I tried to speak, as her pale hands appeared on top of the suitcase and applied pressure. I tried to verbally fight back and tell her that I needed to jump on the next plane to Italy. Instead, as she caught my eyes with her frowning hues, I finally stilled enough for to speak again.

"I know what you saw, Ness, because I saw it too." She admitted, and my stampeding heart finally stilled. "You projected... " As she trailed off with a winced look of empathy for me, I in turn stumbled back until my back hit the mirrored wall. I… projected? Oh no… Leaning my weight against it, my shaky hand lifted to comb through my tangled curls, and I released an equally shaky breath.

"You saw it too?" I echoed, needing the extra clarification and assurance, even though that would also mean further embarrassment and worry to be told that my powers where out of whack at night.

"Mm," she murmured. "We all did, I think. In fact, I think you almost gave Alice a heart attack... she almost thought it was an actual vision, until... erm... Jake appeared..." That's when I slowly sunk down into a crouched position on bent knees pulled to my chest, and pressed my forehead against my knees as I ducked my head behind the curtain of amber curls falling forwards. My mom followed suit, and by now, I was definitely awake enough to start to think more rationally.

"You're really worried about him, aren't you." I didn't look up at her rhetorical question, but I did feel her ironic smile as she settled her gaze on me. "And to think, I actually used to miss your dream projections, back when you shared happier memories from the day." Pausing to reach out and tuck a lock of hair behind my ear, she sighed softly. "But now? I hate knowing that you're all torn up, and I hate feeling like there's nothing I can say right now that will make you feel any better."

Holy crap, just how much of my dream had I projected!? How much of my feelings had I shared with everyone? Squinting my eyes tightly shut again, I tried to focus on gathering the important details, starting with the absolute worst case scenario. "So did… dad see it too?"

"No…" I instantly breathed a grateful sigh to every single deity that ever existed, upon hearing that one word. "No, I think he's the only one who didn't. He's still on patrol."

Okay, so that was one string of good luck in my ball of misfortune. Stretching my legs out as I leaned back against the mirrored wall again, I took a moment to clear my mind into more coherent and logical thoughts. Unless I'd suddenly developed the power to see things in my dreams, then I could also rest assured that what I had seen was really just a result of my overactive imagination. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to read that Stephen King novel before bed…

"Can he hear us right now?" I continued my trail of thought, bringing a light frown to my mom's features in return.

"No, but… if it makes you feel better, I could extend my shield to you?" Puffing my cheeks out, I lifted my gaze up to the ceiling with the simple tilt of my head back. Unfortunately, getting things off my chest wouldn't quite be so simple.

"I think I need a more permanent shield mom." As much as I wanted to tell her the exact reasons why, that would also include telling her about my feelings for Jake. Whilst I could see suspicions woven into her furrowed brow, I also knew that there was unease and ultimately, cowardice weaved within mine. I'd only just admitted my feelings to Jake, but I wasn't ready to start shouting it from the rooftops to everyone else. So, I opted for the easier excuse, though it was by no means a lie either.

"Dad'll get sick and tired of hearing all my pointless worrying," I breathed with a forced, dry laugh. "I've been trying not to think about it and… I think deep down I know he's coming back soon. I'm okay, when I'm distracted, but I guess I can't control my thoughts when I'm asleep."

"Oh sweetie," she sighed and shook her head. "It can't be easy keeping your thoughts repressed all the time. Of course you're going to have nightmares." Offering a warming smile, she slowly nodded. "I'll try to keep my shield over you from now on."

I know she only meant it until Jake came back, but it still felt like a heavy weight was just lifted from me. It would make sense in the long run, if I could just have her shield permanently, but that would mean coming clean, which isn't something I'm good at, apparently. So for now, the temporary fix would have to make do.

"Do you… want to talk to me, about anything else?"

Holding my breath, I quickly looked at my mom, who apparently wasn't finished fretting over me. She still had that suspicious knot in her brow, whilst her eyes darted back and forth in apprehension. Swallowing back against my own apprehension which manifested as an uncomfortable dry spot in my throat, I bit my lip and tucked my hair behind my ear all at once. "N-No…" I muttered.

"Okay…" she practically whispered. With a slow nod then, she dejectedly stood up, and as I looked up at her towering over my like a statue of judgment, I felt nothing but guilt overshadowing me. I used to tell my mom everything. Literally, I was addicted to pressing my hand against her cheek and sharing every moment and every second of my incredibly colourful life, day by day. I guess retreating into a shell is just part of growing up? Like a caterpillar spinning a cocoon until the day it emerges as a butterfly. Maybe when I'd grown my own effervescent wings, I'd be more comfortable sharing my thoughts once more.

"Try to get some sleep," she offered. Even though there was a mothering care in her voice, the dejection left behind a layer of disappointment. "I'll be upstairs if you need anything."

"Okay," I tried to smile, but it was met by the turn of a cold shoulder. "Thanks mom…"

…

In the early hours of Friday morning, the long anticipated arrival of Carlisle and Emmett made the family complete again; to every else but me. Behind the façade of my smile after I'd welcomed my grandfather and uncle home, I was still sulking over Jacob's prolonged absence, and the fact that I was miserably housebound. I wanted to so desperately go out and look for him, and even dreamt of meeting him halfway in Chicago or Indiana. I'd studied the road map again last night, in an attempt to avoid sleep. If Jake was running here on four legs as opposed to two, then I figured it should only take him 12 hours to get here. In other words, he should've been here by now.

"Arrested before your seventh Birthday? That's badass!" Emmett beamed and chuckled with a huge and proud grin, tearing me away from my thoughts. At least I could always count on him to lighten up any situation.

Meanwhile, once everyone was clued in on the whole 'mystery stalker' scenario, Carlisle wasted no time in contacting Eleazar. Together, they concluded that it 'might' be possible for a tracker to somehow be able to mask their scent, though the 'how' and the 'why' was anyone's guess. Carlisle threw out big words like 'imperceptibility' whereas Eleazar theorised that it could be some sort of shielding technique. Either way, we were no closer to tracking down the vampire behind the stalking than we had been before all the tedious research and speculation. Dad still insisted that we keep a solid patrol around the house though, just to be 'on the safe side'. He reasoned that despite our inability to smell my Hilton stalker, there was no evidence to suggest that we couldn't see or hear them.

July was behind us now, and so as we entered into the month of August, my family started the countdown to my so-called 'Seventh Birthday'. Even though I still had a month and a few days left, Alice was already getting excited about planning a party, and Carlisle got his measuring tape out to see if I'd grown any more over the last month. I hadn't, which I actually think oddly disappointed him a little bit.

"Well, still a few more weeks to go." He'd smiled, almost as though he was encouraging my bones to have one final growth spurt before the finality of my seventh year. I didn't really feel like I had any more growth left in me, but when I was back in my room, I couldn't resist the urge to curiously poke at my hips. Maybe my remaining growth spurt might be a little more horizontal as opposed to vertical? One can only hope.

In my agonising boredom, I started to cross out all the days that had passed me by since the road trip on my calendar pinned to the wall, and considered the days left in my housebound sentence, probably akin to a criminal in a cell. I didn't want to think about what I'd do if Jake wasn't home before my Birthday, but I did know that it would be a really cruel and terrible idea for a present if he made me wait that long just to see him again. From Saturday onwards, I would have exactly two weeks and one day left before high school started. If Jake wanted to make a good impression, then I imagined he'd be home by then. That thought gave me some hope, at least. To my absolute horror though, I realised that I'd probably have cramps on my first day of High School. That definitely put a downer on the whole momentous occasion.

Despite my dad's protestations downstairs as I heard him arguing with Alice, she finally managed to convince him to let me go with her into the Mill Creek town. We needed to pick up some groceries, which was apparently a very 'normal, teenage thing' for me to help her with. Mom eventually out-voted dad, and I was just glad for the opportunity to finally be out of the house and its' immediate vicinity. I don't mind helping Esme with the gardening, but there's only so much my not-so-green fingers and thumbs can take.

It was only a twenty minute drive into the town, and the 'Mill Creek IGA' was the first business we came across. It was also the first and potentially only conveniently placed grocery store the town had to offer.

"Well this is quaint," Alice commented as she cut the engine. Rather than her flashy Porsche, she'd opted for the Volvo XC60, which had pretty much been the family car for years now - since before I was born, according to Jake. Looking around at the beat up and practical cars parked outside the IGA, I figured that the Porsche wouldn't be leaving the garage any time soon.

It was yet another overcast and cloudy day, but Alice wasn't taking any chances in her covered-up ensemble. She was definitely ready for fall though in her russet and orange colour scheme. Much to her chagrin, out of all the new clothes in my closet, I'd just thrown on a denim skirt and a plain white t-shirt paired with my favourite blue converse sneakers. I hadn't done it on purpose to annoy Alice or anything. I just didn't see the point in getting all dressed up just to go grocery shopping. The sunglasses perched on my head were designer at least, but I hardly needed to actually wear them.

After getting a shopping cart, we were soon weaving our way along various food aisles, and getting our first glance of the locals. Being a Saturday, the store was fairly busy, and there was more than a fair share of screaming kids running around and grumpy parents trying to reign them in. A few people glanced our way, though mostly just out of curiosity and wayward glances. With an overall population of 724 – no, make that 733 now – it wasn't possible for everyone to know each other, but there was no doubt that there were still a group of locals who took pride in being busybody neighbours. As we stopped at the butcher's section though, I realised that curious neighbours were the least of our problems.

"Is Tygart Valley High far from here?" Alice asked the enthusiastic youth who was busy selecting the cuts she'd asked for. His slightly pimpled complexion reddened a little as he realised she was talking to him, and he gave a nervous laugh.

"Uh… n-nah it's like… a ten minute drive?"

"Good to know," she smiled. I should've seen it coming, as her eyes gestured to me, but it's not like I had a clear escape route right now. "My lil' sister here is starting her senior year there in a few weeks, so we're just taking a look around."

I would've given anything to shrink into the ground right now, as despite my downcast eyes, I could feel the butcher boy turning to stare at me. "Oh really?" His voice nearly broke, so he had to clear his throat before continuing a little more confidently. "C-Cool! I'm actually gonna be starting my senior year too."

"Really?" Alice practically beamed. "How wonderful!"

"Yeah," the dude was still staring at me. "I'm Shawn." Internally rolling my eyes at my Aunt's terrible meddling; I finally looked up and forced myself to smile at him.

"Nessie," I simply said. The way he blinked his blue eyes at me, told me that he thought my name was odd, and that was without me even revealing my full name too him.

"Cool! So uh, maybe I'll see you around then, yeah?"

"Maybe," I verbally shrugged. With a nervous glance at Alice, he gave another nervous little chuckle to himself, and then focused on finishing wrapping up the meat selection for us.

"Thank you Shawn," Alice made sure to politely say once he was done preparing the meat. I was already embarrassed beyond reason, which is why my manners were quite the opposite as I just turned without saying goodbye. When we were out of earshot and sight, she beat me to it before I could nudge her. Instead, I felt her elbow nudging my ribs as she exclaimed enthusiastically. "He seemed nice!"

"I can't believe you just did that," I countered dryly in return. Whilst I could believe that Alice of all people was capable of doing that, I was still getting over the fact that she actually had.

"Why ever not? It'll be good to know at least one person in your class."

"I already will know one person! It's not like Jake won't be there."

The cart abruptly stopped, and it suddenly dawned on me that this was actually groundbreaking news for Alice. "What?" She part-shrieked and part-snapped. Now it was my turn to catch a contagious dose of that Shawn guy's nervous laughter.

"Oh look, free samples!" My attempt to divert the subject was futile though, as Alice just lifted a brow over her narrowing eyes.

"Did you just imply that Jake will be there? At High School? As in Jacob Jacob – Jacob Black?"

I scoffed, since the wolf was out the bag now. "Who else do we know called Jacob?"

"Hmm!" The shopping cart started to wheel forwards again, as Alice rapidly resumed her wayward steps down the aisle. "Well this is a new development, but I can't say I'm not in the least surprised either."

She could've fooled me… because I'm pretty sure that she'd been very surprised just a second ago by this revelation.

"When was this decided?" She sharply turned to me with a glare that demanded an answer.

"Um… a few days ago?" I genuinely had to actually think of the exact day. "Like… Monday evening?"

Alice huffed another slightly frustrated breath. "Well! He better hurry up and get over here then, so Carlisle can get him registered and fully enrolled. It won't look good on his record never mind the rest of us if he doesn't start school on time, if that's what he still wants."

For once I was in total and absolute agreement with Alice. "If he's not back by then, I'm sending out my own search party consisting of me, myself and I." Despite the 'oh no you won't' look she shot me in return, I silently dared her to just try and stop me.

It only took us about an hour to fill the cart, pay, and load the car up with brown paper bags full of enough groceries to last me for about two weeks, unless Jake came back any time soon. Once the car boot was loaded, Alice drove us around the town a little, so we could familiarise ourselves with the general layout. There wasn't really much to remember, but it was nice to finally get my first look of the high school exterior. Apparently the school was big on sports, which explained the large playing field outside, and the red bull-dog mascot. I wasn't sure yet if I was going to even bother trying to compete in any sports, since it would mean dumbing down my natural abilities just to fit in. It would be hard on my hubris to try not to win everything.

"Next weekend we should check out Elkins," Alice enthusiastically planned ahead as we drove back to the house. I acknowledged the fact that it was 'only a twenty-five minute drive away' and that she was getting all excited about the various boutiques 'yet to be explored' there, but my mind was otherwise distracted as I stared out the car window. I really couldn't care less about all the attractions Elkins had to offer, if it meant going another week without Jacob.

Geez, I really do feel like such a love-sick puppy right now.

Once all the groceries were put away, Alice took over Esme's patrol, and likewise Esme took over 'babysitting' me. She had me helping her nurse her new plants in the conservatory for the rest of the afternoon, and then I semi-watched and semi-helped her prepare a traditional Italian Carbonara for my dinner. Being in the kitchen with Esme always makes me feel like a much better cook then I actually am, but I knew that if I tried to make this dish by myself, it would only be half so good.

There was a telescope up on the second floor balcony, so my evening of harmless stargazing eventually turned into an Astronomy lesson with Carlisle. Eventually, I was curling up in bed with a book on Astro-Physics, and drifting off to dream of the stars and distant planets.

And that was Friday over and done with as yet another altogether uneventful cross on my calendar.

Fifteen days left.

My sleep was disturbed that night by what had undeniably been wolf howls coming from the forest, and after rushing to my window, expecting to see a red wolf outside, I'd raced upstairs to the balcony to get a clearer view of the surrounding forest. The moon was just a silver sickle in the blackened sky, but sudden movement in the trees nearby had turned out to be none other than Emmett, racing by on his patrol. I must have fallen asleep outside, because I don't remember walking back to my room, which is where I eventually woke up at sunrise.

After a fairly miserable breakfast on my part, and not just because I'd actually managed to burn my scrambled eggs; the sound of piano playing soon drew me into the 'music room' area. It was a little room off to the side of the main living area, but rather than a door, it just had an open archway and then a raised step onto a slightly lifted platform. All the windows were long and narrow arches, enabling the room to be bathed in brilliant morning light from the 'East Wing' of the house. My dad's amber hair burned like flames against his sparkling, alabaster skin, but he was perfectly at peace at his baby-grand piano which took centre stage. Without a word, I just moved to sit down behind my cello, and let it rest between my thighs. I craved thicker strings against my fingertips, as opposed to my more delicate harp; which definitely wasn't an instrument to work out a little frustration on. My dad was just tinkling away at the piano keys, not really playing anything in particular, but I soon changed that. I'd mastered my favourite piece of music by Franz Liszt about a year ago, and so now, I gradually broke into 'Liebestraum' – other known as 'Love Dream'. So focused on playing the notes was I, that I barely even noticed my mom come to sit with my dad at the piano, just watching us both play and listening. Music never fails to feed my soul, and when combined with the peace and tranquillity of 'family time', I feel whole again.

Well, almost whole again.

Being in the sunlit music room also begun to heal the strange rift I'd felt of late between my father and I, which I guess was born from the fact that he didn't care to talk about Jacob or show any sign of worry or concern for him. Just like he'd shown no remorse or sympathy to the fact that I had to stay under the close watch of my family at his behest. I felt like a caged song bird, happy to sing for an hour or two, but eventually, the novelty wore off as I realised I was still trapped behind gilded bars. Not even the timeless song my dad had composed for my mom managed to tempt me into staying in the music room for much longer.

The bow stilled against the cello strings, as my father moved on to Saint-Saëns - The Swan. It was the type of duet that needed me to lead the main melody, and though I forced myself to slowly recite the notes, my heart was no longer in the music. I didn't need to lift my head to feel my parents sharing an uneasy look, but I didn't expect my father to just stop playing altogether. His fingers stumbled on the piano keys with the incredible rarity of ill-played notes, and my breath caught in my throat as I finally lifted my gaze to him. My first thought was that I was to blame for the fact that he was staring ahead with eyes wide under his heavy brow, but one look to my mother's frown, and I reassured myself that she'd been shielding me, as promised. Besides, I hadn't even been thinking of Jacob right now.

It struck me then that my father was staring out the window directly behind me, so as silence filled the room, I turned on my stool slightly to follow the direction of his glare. That's when the shadows of four figures gradually emerged from behind the trees. First, a scowling Rosalie, whose nose was all scrunched up like she'd been forced to breathe a foul odour. My heard skipped a beat or two, as I soon realised why she was so perturbed. Chocolate merged with burnt umber, and the clatter of my cello bow hitting the wooden floor after it absently dropped from my fingertips, was like the bang of a starter pistol. I heard the stool fall over behind me as I bolted, but paid no heed to anyone or anything else as I raced to the front door. I passed the blur of Esme and Alice rushing out from the kitchen, and caught the sound of more footsteps on the stairs just in time for my hand to reach out to the front door and pull it towards me. Rather than continue my one-track path though, I was instead compelled to freeze a few steps from the doorway outside, as redwood and pine and wet-dog musk that was almost tangible, completely and utterly overwhelmed me. The scent was far too overpowering to belong to just one Quileute shapeshifter, which my eyes soon discovered as they caught up with my nose.

"I caught some uninvited guests wandering around the forest," Rosalie declared as she moved towards the house. "Although I don't recall ever tossing them a bone to go fetch."

Almost in a daze of disbelief, I stepped past my grumpy aunt as my eyes flicked to the two other figures now moving to stand behind Jacob. A matching pair of dark brown eyes settling on me; the smiling pair moving towards me instantly, whilst the frowning pair stayed behind Jake.

"'Sup Ness!"

"Seth!?" I practically squeaked, still feeling like this was all just an amazing dream, as he pulled me into a tight hug. No, this felt too real to be a dream. We both laughed, although mine was far more incredulous than his perfectly merry sounds.

"Surprise!" He beamed, still laughing as he stepped back finally. That's when Jake finally crossed the gap, followed by a silently obedient and still lightly frowning Leah bringing up the rear. Even though I already had a dozen questions buzzing around in my head, I think I was still in an absolute state of shock, because all I could muster were failed grasps for words and stuttered sounds that I know I'd inherited from my mom.

"We got you good, huh!" Seth loudly beamed, practically puffing his chest out as he rested both hands on his hips. "But it's too bad Barbie caught us before we could really sneak up on ya."

Completely ignoring Seth's smug declarations, Jacob just stepped past so he could finally sweep me up into a secure embrace against his chest. Pressing my nose against the coarse cotton fabric of his… lumberjack shirt!? – I breathed him in. Even though the fibres of the shirt still carried a faint, recently washed and air-dried fragrance, his own musky perspiration and hint of spice had also laid full claim on the no doubt 'borrowed' cotton.

"Sorry I took so long," he quietly uttered as he squeezed me a little tighter. I knew my entire family were now gathered outside the house too, and I hoped that my mom was still shielding me, because it was taking every fibre of my being to resist the urge to claim his mouth with my own as a gesture of total forgiveness. Instead, my hands clutched at his shirt, gripping a handful of the chequered material covering his muscular back. I didn't really care why he'd taken so long to come home. All that mattered now was that he was finally here.

"We would've totally surprised Jake too, if it wasn't for tattle-tale Embry."

"Seth would you shut up already?" Leah finally broke her stoic silence, and as I finally loosened my grip, I couldn't help but chuckle. It was like I'd just been sent a slice of Forks in the mail, and if I could help it, I wouldn't be sending it back any time soon.

"Good thing you went grocery shopping today," I heard Emmett both verbally and physically nudge at Alice. "Hey Alice, it's almost like you saw it happening! Oh, wait…" Unlike Leah though, she didn't bother to waste words on shutting him up, as fist met chest.

Smirking as I stepped back from Jake, I lifted my smiling eyes to his and bit my lip. "I guess things got a little… complicated." I wasn't just talking about the arrival of Seth and Leah though, and the slight narrowing of his eyes suggested to me that he'd caught on to my other meaning. The hotel room, the kiss, the cops… we desperately needed space to talk things out, but judging by the way my family were still hovering, it would be a long time until we got that opportunity.

"Just another day in the life of the Cullens and Black pack," he half-smirked in return. As his eyes left mine though, I turned with him to follow his gaze directly to Carlisle and my parents, who stood in the middle of my gathered family. Folding my arms to curb my instinct to grasp hold of Jake's hand, I followed slightly behind him as he moved to greet them.

"Welcome home, Jacob." Carlisle, ever the peaceful diplomat, managed the warmest smile out of the bunch. In second place, was Esme, whose mothering eyes shifted to Leah and Seth.

"You're all of course welcome here, for however long you intend to stay." I didn't think Carlisle's smile could get any warmer, but as he looked to Esme and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, I could see that he shared her hospitality with pride. "It's always a pleasure to have you with us," she added without fail of being completely genuine.

"Thanks." Jake was all politeness, despite the death glares he received from Rosalie and Edward. "Although I'm still debating whether or not to just send Seth and Leah back home on the next flight."

"No way man!" Seth immediately lunged forwards, and even Leah took a step closer. "There's no way I'm going back to Forks!"

"Me neither," his sister chipped in. "We'll sleep out rough in the forest if we have to."

"That won't be necessary," Carlisle quickly put an end to that idea. "Jacob's house should be big enough for the three of you, until you reach a more permanent and amicable solution."

"Or we could build three kennels," Rosalie dryly remarked. One sharp glance from Esme silenced her, but it didn't stop the little snort from Emmett. Even my dad's serious expression was momentarily broken by a little smirk.

"It's not a bad idea," he muttered, mostly to himself. In an area filled with supernatural beings though, it wasn't possible to even whisper without being heard right now. Besides, his next comment was clearly intended for everyone's ears, but particularly one set. "At least for one of the dogs."

"Edward," my mom's voice warned, but it was too late. Bright amber eyes were already battling against burnt umber.

"Not cool," Seth managed to mutter, as Jake took a step forwards.

"Look, I know that you're still pissed with me," he stated the obvious as his eyes locked on my dad. "But you can't stay angry at me forever."

"I beg to differ," my dad shot back. Out of everyone, Emmett was grinning like a mad-man as he eagerly watched the drama unfold, whilst the Clearwater siblings moved to stand on either side behind Jake.

Meanwhile, my mom moved to put her calming hand on my dad's expanding chest. "Don't," she said.

"I did what I had to do," Jake continued. Part of me figured that he'd probably rehearsed what he was going to say a dozen times already on the way here, knowing full well that he'd face the Vampire inquisition led by Grand Inquisition Edward, the moment he stepped foot outside our new house. "You can't blame me for that."

"You did what you had to do," my dad dangerously echoed in his quiet and pensive voice laced with a patronising edge. "Tell me, what part of not drawing attention to yourself requires the need to almost crash the car, Jacob?" My mother's hand dropped as my father now took a challenging step forwards. "Do I need to remind you what would happen if we broke our number one law? What would happen to us – especially to Renesmee, if a single human finds out about us?"

"You don't need to tell me anything." Jake somehow managed not to snarl, but there was definitely the rumble of a growl in his chest. The sounds screamed 'back off' but like always, my dad pushed a little further as he took one more step closer. "Would you rather I let the cops chase us all the way here and expose everyone?"

"I'd rather you used whatever common sense you have, to not be caught in that predicament in the first place."

"Yeah, sure, because Mr. Perfect Cullen over here never fucked up for once in his entire life either."

Seeing that this was escalating to the point of getting way out of control, I quickly moved to stand in the gap between the squabbling men and yelled with my hands outstretched to both of them. "Stop it! Stop fighting already!"

Taking my cue, my mom moved to my dad's side, whereas Jake just swallowed back hard enough to bob his Adam's apple up and down.

"Listen to your daughter Edward," Carlisle cut in softly. "We can all agree that Jacob's actions were foolish, but not unjustified. Besides, squabbling amongst ourselves isn't helpful to anyone right now."

It was like watching a tennis game, as I turned my head left and right to gauge the reactions of my dad and Jacob in turn. Neither took a retreating step back, but whereas Jacob at least bit down on his tongue, my dad just curled his lip.

"I don't want him near the house," he sharply announced. Even though he spoke mostly to Carlisle, he kept his glare pinned on Jake. "Do us all a favour and stay away for a while."

I hadn't seen my dad this angry or petty in a long time, and the worst thing was, it was the quietly seething and therefore unpredictable rage that I could feel emanating from him. I could only hope that Jasper was keeping things relatively calmer than they perhaps could have been, and likewise, I hoped that the shield of my own body would be deterrent enough to stop the argument from escalating any further.

"What are you gonna do to stop me, huh Edward? What, you gonna break my arm again?" I could've punched Jake for taunting, if I wasn't suddenly wondering if and when my dad had actually broken his arm.

"What!?" I stared back and forth between them, and saw my dad's nostrils flare at what had effectively been a pretty low blow. "You broke his arm?" I asked the question directly with demanding eyes aimed directly at my father. When!? My thoughts demanded, even though he probably couldn't read me right now. The twitch of his eyebrows showed his frustration on that front, but he kept his eyes pinned on Jake as he answered bluntly.

"A long time ago, but I'm not adverse to a repeat performance, if that's what he really wants."

"Jake," my mom's warning voice rose up as she too, moved to stand in front of my dad like a physical barricade. "That's enough, both of you." With a glance towards me, she pursed her lips tight a moment, before concluding the situation with a stern suggestion. "I think you should go."

"I hear ya," Jake uttered. "Loud and clear, Bella."

I'm not sure what cut me up more; the fact that my dad was being such a grade A jerk right now, or the fact that Jake didn't even glance my way, as he turned his back to retreat from the situation. Seth did though, with a sympathetic wince and an apology on his brow, like he was trying to shoulder the blame for all of this. It wasn't his fault though, which is why I offered a strained smile in return. Obediently, both he and Leah followed Jake without a word. Leah's silent look of utter disgust t my parents though, said more than words ever could. For once, I actually felt like I could agree with her. My dad's behaviour was inexcusable, and as much as I loved my family, I didn't want to be within ten feet of my father right now. I wanted to be part of Black Pack, as they skulked away to the dense spread of trees.

"Renesmee...?" My mother started to call me over to join the rest of the family, but as I flicked my head in her direction, it was my father whom my glare settled on.

"What the hell is your problem!?" I snapped, not caring that the entire family were here to witness this. "Why do you have to be like this? Why do you hate Jacob so much!? All he ever does is try to protect me and all you ever do is try to push him away!"

"Nessie," Esme tried to calm me this time, but as she took a step forwards, I in turn took a step back.

"I'm done!" I snapped. "I'm so done!"

All I was thinking, as I turned on my heel and walked away in quick strides, was that I couldn't stand to be in that house with any of them for another second. Least of all, my father, who'd seriously crossed the line this time. He had every right to scold me, after all, I'm his daughter, which I guess just gives him a paternal right to boss me around. But as for Jacob, what right did my dad have to tell him what to do!? Last time I checked, this was Carlisle's house, and Carlisle had welcomed both Jacob and the Clearwaters into his home. Where did my dad get off telling Jake he couldn't come to the house anymore!?

"Renesmee!" I heard my mom call after me, and her footsteps rapidly started following after mine. I quickened my pace though, practically powerwalking in a completely human way. I should have just dashed but I guess part of me, the part that still loved my family, wasn't quite ready to turn my back on them completely.

"Stop following me mom!" I snapped back, not bothering to look over my shoulder. "Don't make me hate you for stopping me right now!"

She stopped dead in her tracks then, and I could practically feel the tension rippling behind me as eight sets of eyes settled on my back. Brushing aside weeping branches from my path with the aggressive sweep of my arm, I already regretted my words to her, but it was a tiny thought in the back of my mind. Whilst I didn't hate anyone, except maybe the Romanians and the Volturi for their petty grudges; I did know that right now, that I resented my father too much to turn back. It was that resentment that overwhelmed me, and pushed me over the edge enough to keep walking.

If Jake wasn't allowed to come to the house anymore, then so be it, two can play that game. If Jake wasn't welcome, then my father wasn't welcome in my life either. It was all, or nothing, and if this was the only way to force my dad to realise that Jake was as much a part of my life as he was, then so be it...

To be continued in Chapter 15: "?"