A/N: Sorry for the late update. I had a minor case of writer's block but I think I'm back on track now. :)

Rated M for adult themes and language.

"Jaaaake."

'Keep going.'

"My mouth hurts. It's literally screaming: enough already!"

'Ah...ah..ah. Did I give you permission to stop?'

"No, but…"

Jacob raised his eyebrow threateningly. 'We made a deal, Swan.'

Bella raised the book from her lap, shooting him a dirty look as she flipped the page with the pad of her thumb.

"Fifty Shades my ass." She muttered under her breath.

She read to him some more, grimacing at some of the BDSM details she encountered in every page.

Jacob was lounging next to her on his bed, arms behind his head. His eyelids were starting to get heavy, falling under the spell of Bella's soothing voice.

"And they both lived happily ever after…" She whispered once he finally drifted off to sleep.

Freshly showered and clad in her favorite Powerpuff Girls pajamas, Bella felt right at home in his bedroom.

Alpha or not, Jake was a big baby at heart. She knew he liked her so called radio voice so she used it to her advantage tonight.

Sleep was far from her mind though, so she tossed and turned next to him until his shiny laptop caught her eye.

She slid out of bed and padded barefoot to his cluttered desk.

His giant headphones were on top of a big pile of papers so she plugged them into the laptop before carrying it back to bed.

Jacob's heat and the light of his nearby lava lamp provided enough warmth as she sat up against the headboard and turned the MacBook on.

She was greeted by Darth Vader (aka Jake's beloved Mustang). His choice for wallpaper, obviously.

The Alpha treated his car like a princess.

It was once an old piece of junk with no future, but after two years of his pimp my ride treatment, Darth Vader rose from the ashes like a Mustang phoenix.

Bella rolled her eyes, searching his folders for a movie to watch.

"Indiana Jones, Fight Club, District 9, Tropic Thunder, Conan the Barbarian...ugh…The A-Team, Paranormal Activity 3…mmm…"

She decided on a horror movie which was ironic considering her earlier foray into vampiredom.

Thirty minutes into Paranormal Activity 3 she started getting fidgety, her fingers clutching the sheets in anticipation.

Horror movies have always been Bella's guilty pleasure. They scared her half to death but she would always come back for more.

Her heart almost jumped out of her chest when the movie started revealing its creepy, horrifying elements.

She scooted closer to Jake, a tiny gasp escaping her lips when the evil entity suddenly appeared on the screen.

The frightening screams filled her ears so she quickly removed the headphones and tossed them on the bed.

.

.

.

Jacob woke up to the terrifying screams of a little girl.

He bolted upright, blinking in confusion when he saw Bella sitting next to him with his MacBook in her lap.

'What….did you just scream?' He croaked, scratching his head in confusion.

"No. I'm watching a movie." She sheepishly replied.

He glanced at the digital clock, his Bart Simpson t-shirt riding up his back when he reached out to grab a water bottle from his cluttered bedside table.

'Jesus, Bells. It's three in the morning.'

"I know."

'Can't sleep?' He asked while uncapping the bottle.

"Nope. I tried, but…" She shrugged. "My body's still in adrenaline mode."

'You should try counting sheep, or werewolves eating said sheep.' He cheekily suggested.

Bella pinched his right cheek in response.

'Ow!'

"If you ever lay a paw on those poor creatures, I will personally contact animal control and have you locked up until further notice." She threatened, slamming the laptop shut.

'Jeez, woman. It was a joke. Lighten up.' He yawned.

"Wow. Your sense of humor just keeps getting better and better." She rolled her eyes sarcastically. "No really. Will Farrell's got nothing on you, baby."

'Did you just call me baby?' Jacob smirked, shoving the laptop out of the way with his paw of a hand.

"It was a sarcastic baby, not a term of endearment baby." She argued.

'Gee. Thanks for pointing out the difference, Miss Granger.' He grunted with equal sarcasm, plopping his head down on the pillow.

Bella sighed and joined him on the nearby unicorn cushion.

She stared up at the ceiling, listening to the muffled sound of crickets outside Jacob's bedroom.

"You still remember that silly old nickname?"

'Yeah. I can never forget your Harry Potter days, and those fake glasses you used to wear at school.' He chuckled. 'You looked like a dork.'

"Haha." She reached blindly for his cheek but he caught her hand using his quick wolf reflexes.

"I miss those days though."

'Me too.' He admitted. 'All those cheerleaders just begging me to take them to prom.'

"Oh for God's sake…" Bella yanked her hand from his chest, feeling a tiny bit jealous at his admission.

'Kidding, Bells.'

"Are you, Jake?" She sat up on her elbows, giving him a sideways look that screamed liar. "Because it can't be easy…transitioning from a ladies man to this…" She gestured between the two of them briefly.

'If by this you mean a constant case of blue balls and an imprint who likes playing midnight slayer, then yes. This is hard as fuck.' He frowned, mirroring her body language.

"Well, then…" She swallowed. "What's stopping you from sowing your wild oats? Huh?"

'Jesus.' Jacob scooted backwards until his back was parallel to the headboard. 'What brought this on?'

"You brought this on." Bella replied. "And I know this is not the time to discuss this, but there's something I need to ask you."

'Go ahead.'

Bella hesitated, unsure of how to ask the inevitable question.

"If we run into our respective college friends, which is bound to happen. How are you going to introduce me?"

Jacob scratched his stubbled chin, looking slightly confused. 'You've already met most of the gang, so introductions won't be necessary.'

Bella did a mental facepalm.

"True, but that was before things changed between us."

'What? You want me to tell them I imprinted on you?' He snorted.

Bella wanted to strangle him at this point.

"Are you seriously that clueless?" She rolled her eyes for the umpteenth time. "Did it ever occur to you that I might want to be officially labeled as your girlfriend?! You know, that special girl you take out on dates and stuff?"

'You are my girlfriend by default.' He simply answered.

"You're missing the point, Jake." Bella pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. "I'm not some contest you get to win by default."

'Uh…it is and I've already won, so case closed.' He rolled over and resumed his sleeping position.

"No it's not." She tugged on his bicep. "We need to talk things out instead of bickering and butting heads like the Real Housewives of New Jersey."

'Go to sleep, Bells.'

The stubborn brunette huffed in response, her restless mind eating what's left of her zzzs for the night.

She tossed and turned in bed until it was six am.

After spending hours dissecting her imprint situation, she finally realized that she was waaay in over her head.

The past few weeks were a rollercoaster ride and Jake didn't make it any easier by being his cocky Alpha self.

He was easier to handle back when they were childhood friends.

She used to put up with his attitude, especially after the death of his mother.

Being his imprint and knowing all about werewolves and vampires completely changed that dynamic.

Bella suddenly realized that in order to survive the next few months, she needed to take a proper summer vacation.

Her roundtrip ticket to Phoenix was basically rotting in her desk drawer.

She booked it in case her internship didn't work out, but it did and now that said internship was coming to an end…

Bella knew it was the right decision to make.

They could both benefit from some time apart.

Her recent vampire encounter was pretty exhilarating and all, but now that the adrenaline had worn off, she felt less enthusiastic about the whole slayer thing.

"Ugh…I feel like I'm trapped under a boulder." Bella muttered under her breath, wiggling her way out from under his heavy arm.

She silently crept out of bed, searching the carpet for her bunny slippers.

'Going somewhere?'

Jacob's sexy bedroom voice flirted with her ears but she resumed the task of getting the hell out of his lair.

"Yes." She grabbed her overnight bag and swung it over her shoulder. "Our -house arrest- deal is off."

'Why?'

Jacob rolled out of bed like a stealthy ninja, his raven hair falling into his eyes. He padded barefoot to the door, blocking it with his tall, menacing frame.

"I just…need some time to think about our current situation." Bella replied, craning her neck in order to maintain eye contact with those come-hither eyes.

'We can do the thinking together.' Jacob playfully suggested, stepping forward to give her one of his heartwarming hugs.

She lifted her hand and used it as a barrier between them, silently asking him to keep his distance.

"No. I umm…" She swallowed. "My internship ends on Monday, so I decided to go visit mom for a few weeks."

'You're going to Phoenix?' He frowned, his earlier smile fading from his lips.

"Yes." Bella firmly nodded. "I've been up all night just mulling over our umm…relationship, and I realized that you have a track record of taking me for granted."

'Jesus, Bella. That was ages ago.' Jacob protested, folding his arms across his chest. 'Did you take a trip down memory lane last night?'

"Don't mock me, Jake." She warned him, her crabbiness getting the best of her. "Why can't you be more like Hunter? Huh? At least he knows how to treat an Imprint."

.

.

Jacob turned away from her, his hands clenched into fists.

'Well, if Hunter is your ideal Alpha then why don't you go fuck him?'

Bella was appalled by his crude suggestion.

She knew he was lashing out at her but his words cut through her skin like a knife.

"Oh grow up Jacob!"

She darted past him, pausing in the doorway with tears in her eyes.

"And just for the record, I'm NOT your girlfriend."

.

.

.

'What the fuck?'

.

.

.

Later that day

The pack, including Charlie and Billy were all gathered at Paul's house to celebrate Rachel's pregnancy.

Drinks were served along with Emily's famous chocolate cake.

Rachel was all smiles, serving coffee and tea in her new maternity dress.

Quil and Embry were cracking their usual jokes while Leah tried calling Bella's phone for the umpteenth time.

Jake stormed into the house ten minutes later, looking fifty shades of pissed off.

'It's about time you showed up.' She told him once he grunted his own version of congratulations to his sister. 'Where the hell is Bella?'

'How should I know?' He shrugged. 'We uh…kinda had a fight this morning.'

Leah's eyes widened in dramatic fashion. 'You two had a fight?! No way.' She remarked in a sarcastic tone.

'Gee, thanks for the sarcasm, Clearwater.'

'Anytime, Black. Now tell me what happened.'

Jacob scratched the back of his head, his eyes darting to Charlie who was cheerfully chatting with Billy.

'I fucked up what could've been a fantastic weekend with Swan the slayer wannabe.' He admitted.

'Honestly, I'm not surprised. Wanna know why?' Leah leaned forward in her chair, exchanging a quick glance with Embry.

He was the only one paying attention to their conversation.

Everyone else was gathered in front of the TV for Teen Wolf's season finale.

'Why?'

'Because you can't handle a woman with an independent streak.' She replied.

'That's not true.' Jacob argued. 'I've dated my fair share of sorority girls, pre-med chicks, even psych majors.'

Leah rolled her eyes in response. 'Your version of independent does not include women who are feisty, risk-taking or challenging for that matter. Bella is all of the above. She's not afraid of the big bad Alpha. She puts you on edge, Black. Correct me if I'm wrong.' She smirked.

Jacob shot her an offended look but did not object to her analysis.

'So, what was the context of your so called fight anyways?'

'I…uh might've said a few things I didn't mean.'

'Dear Lord.' Leah pinched the bridge of her nose. 'Do you ever think before you open that big mouth of yours?'

'No. Not when I'm half asleep with Bella firing questions at me.'

The familiar sound of Bella's truck pulling into the driveway made his jaw clench and his shoulders stiffen. 'See? Her timing is impeccable as usual.' He grunted. 'She's driving me fucking crazy.'

'Congratulations on stating the obvious, Black!' Leah chuckled. 'You definitely suck at having an imprint so I suggest you start taking tips from Teen Wolf or Charlie Sheen. The choice is up to you.' She jokingly suggested before getting up from her chair.

Bella walked in seconds later, bearing Rachel's favorite macarons.

"Hi guys! Sorry I'm late."

She hugged the pregnant imprint who literally squealed in delight when Bella handed her the box of French cookies.

'Shhhhhhhhhhhh…'

Both Seth and Quil shushed them, their eyes glued to the television screen.

"What's with the Teen Wolf obsession?" Bella whispered, shaking her head in amusement.

'Beats me.' Leah shrugged.

Jacob tried to get Bella's attention by coughing loudly, earning himself another Shhhhh from his fellow pack brothers.

'Why is my baby bro sulking in the corner?'

The Alpha rolled his eyes at his sister's question.

'Maybe Bella should go un-sulk his sorry ass.' Leah snickered, pushing the flustered brunette in his direction.

She folded her arms across her chest, refusing to meet Jacob's gaze.

He rose from his chair and dug his hands in his pockets.

'Can I talk to you in private?'

"Umm…" Bella tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Sure."

'Use the kitchen.' Rachel offered with a wink.

Both Jake and Bella awkwardly made it to the kitchen.

'So…'

"Listen…"

They spoke at the same time.

"You go first…"

'Uh…ok.' Jacob glanced around the French country-themed kitchen with his hands in his pockets. 'I was out of line this morning.'

"Yes you were…" Bella nodded. "But I shouldn't have mentioned Chase either."

'You admire him. That's understandable.' He shrugged. 'I used to look up to him when he was Head Alpha at wolf camp. He was the only one who didn't put up with my shit.'

"Well, he did refer to you as a cocky brat."

'Yeah? What else did he say to you?'

"He umm...said that you'll eventually outgrow your cocky phase." Bella replied.

'I will.' He reassured her. 'Just don't go to Phoenix…Please?'

Damn those irresistible puppy eyes, she cursed him inwardly.

"It's too late for that. I've already told Renee and Charlie so..."

'Oh come on, Bells. I promise I'll behave.' Jacob pouted.

"Sorry but I've made up my mind." Bella folded her arms across her chest. "I really need some alone time." She swallowed. "I need to practice keeping my emotions in check, because God knows it's been hard as hell, especially in your presence."

'This is normal for an imprint, Bells. You'll get used to it eventually.'

"Maybe, but right now, it doesn't feel that way." She told him, tears welling up in her eyes.

'Hey. It's okay.' Jacob stepped closer and hugged her to his chest.

"No it's not." Bella sniffled.

'Yeah it is. You're sleep deprived is all.' He cupped her face with his warm hands. 'You'll feel better once you drink Rach's awesome green tea.'

"I'm not just sleep-deprived, Jake!" She snapped. "I'm scared…"

'Of what? Vamps?'

"No."

'Clowns?'

Bella shot him an exasperated look.

"No…" She released her face from his tempting touch. "I know that wolves mate for life, but I had no idea that the same applies for shape shifters. I mean, what if we want to uh…play the field a little?"

Jacob's jaw twitched. 'Play the field? Is this what you plan on doing when you go to Phoenix?'

"What? No!" Bella grew flustered under his burning gaze. "I just...look. Here's the thing…" She hesitated for a few seconds. "We're both young and God knows you're faaaar from ready for a serious relationship."

'Yeah? Says who?' Jacob frowned in protest.

"See? This…" She used both hands to make circular motions in the air. "Is exactly why we should take it slow, 'cause your ego needs to make room for me."

'What does my ego have to do with anything?' He snorted. 'You clearly have intimacy issues because your parents are divorced.'

"Oh you did not just say that!" Bella's eyes widened in disbelief.

'Admit it, Swan.' He leaned forward until he was level with her startled face. 'You want me, but you're simply too chicken to jump my bones.'

"No you idiot! I'm afraid of what's gonna happen after I jump your egotistic bones." She hissed.

'Jesus, woman. We're not getting married if that's what you mean.'

"But isn't mating for life the equivalent of getting married?" Bella argued.

'Yeah…it is.' Jacob finally admitted. 'Is this why you freaked out on me this morning?'

"No…" Bella gnawed on her lower lip. "I was upset because you basically referred to me as the girl you won at the imprinting fair. All you had to do was imprint on me and BOOM!" She slammed her fist into the palm of her hand. "I became your instant girlfriend." She frowned. "So yeah, you didn't earn this. It fell right into your lap."

'Ah…now I get it!' The Alpha gave her a sheepish smile in return. 'You want me to wine and dine thee instead of feeding you junk food.' He deduced, reciting his own version of Shakespearean poetry. 'You want flowers and candy…perhaps a moonlight stroll on the beach?'

Bella nodded, a blush coating her cheeks.

Finally! She thought.

"I was this close to using Leah's cartoon illustrations instead of my own words since men are supposedly visual creatures…"

'Oh we're visual creatures all right.' He smirked, allowing his gaze to travel past her face, down to her tight skinny jeans. 'So, are you free tonight? Maybe we can go see a movie or have dinner, or better yet…let me take you to the mall. We have plenty of shopping to do. Underwear shopping that is.'

"How about we do all three?" Bella suggested. "Cause I'll be busy packing all day tomorrow."

'Why? When's your flight?'

"Tuesday morning." She replied.

'Damn, Bells. Do you plan on staying there the whole summer?'

"Maybe…" She shrugged. "Or as long as it takes for me to get used to the I-word."

'Hey kids.'

Charlie cleared his throat, pausing at the doorway with an empty beer bottle in his hand.

"Hey dad."

'Did she tell you about Phoenix?'

'Yep.' Jacob nodded. 'But I'm gonna try to change her mind, Chief. Just wait and see.'

Charlie burst out laughing all of a sudden.

'The day you change her mind is the day hell freezes over son, so good luck trying.' He guffawed.

"Dad. Are you drunk?"

'Yeah. I can smell Billy's moonshine on his breath.'

"Great...just great."

'And remember, Kids! No glove, no love.'

"Dad!"