"So, are you guys dating?"

It was a question I had heard constantly for the past months. It still annoyed me not for the simple reason that it was none of their business, but because the answer was depressing. No. We are not dating.

"Jessica…" I whined.

"Why are you not admitting it? Its pretty obvious…" She said annoyed herself. "He never leaves your side, like never. You even have all your classes together."

"Just drop it." I said as Edward and Alice approached us.

"Alice tell me you have worked on the cheat sheet for today's exam." Angela said.

"Of course." Alice said with a smile and swiftly pulled it out.

"Thanks. God, with these constant college applications I barely have time to work on anything for school. How ironic is that?" She sighed.

"You need to take a break before you cave under pressure." Ben said worried. "I swear I'll do an intervention."

"Babe, you're so cute." She said sweetly and placed a kiss on his cheek.

I couldn't help look over at Edward who was looking straight at me. I looked away embarrassed. Why were we doing this to each other? What happened in Italy had meant something and his confession was true. Then, why has nothing happened since then?

The only thing difference was that I was grounded until further notice. Not that my dad was being strict. I was to go straight home after school and if Edward stayed we were only allowed in the living room. Though, he didn't know that sometimes he would sneak into my room at night. It sounded more exciting than it was. We usually just talked and hung out until I feel asleep. He would make his exit after that. And then there was the whole Jacob situation.

I hadn't heard from him since I got back. I've tried to reach him and nothing. I've even tried to use my dad as a messenger, but he made it clear that I had to face Jacob. He was the only exception when it came to my grounding. My dad apparently really wanted us to fix our friendship. But, why did I have to go to him? He was the one who made the choice.

'He didn't have a choice.'

I shook off my reasoning thoughts. I finished the last of my lunch and headed out with Edward obviously following after me.

"I know where you're going." He said.

"Then why are you following? You obviously can't come." I said.

"Cio, you can't go. It's not safe…"

"How many times do I have to tell you that Jacob is my best friend? He wouldn't hurt me. So, could you get that stupid idea out of your fucking head?" I said annoyed.

"He doesn't want to be your friend." He said as he pulled me back. "Why don't you get that into your head?"

It was as he had slapped me. I wanted so badly to physically hurt him. He was still an insensitive jerk! This is why we weren't together. It was cool that he cared about me, maybe even love me, but it was nothing if he didn't stop being his prick self.

"You don't know anything." I said through clenched teeth. "Jacob was there for me, through everything. Don't you ever think for a minute that you know us."

"Us? So, you're an item now?"

"God, I don't have time for this jealous crap. You don't get to be jealous! You're not my boyfriend."

"I just figured that I would be."

"Edward, I can't trust you." I said honestly. "I care about you, I really fucking do, otherwise I wouldn't be here. I'm waiting for it to happen, but I don't want to force it."

"If I care about you and you care about me then what's stopping us?" He asked.

"I…" I began, I was going to say I didn't know, but that wasn't true. "You left me, ran away from me, for half a year even though you cared about me. What if you do it again? I can't trust that our feelings are enough if obviously they weren't. I wasn't enough."

"Is that what it is?" He asked appalled as he stepped closer and cradled my face. "It's not about you, it never was. I was too scared to admit my feelings. I was scared of you. I'm not anymore. I want this…"

"But." I interjected before he could place a captivating kiss on my lips. "You're okay with it now, but what about everything else? What about when I want more than a kiss?"

"What are you talking about?" He asked as he stepped back.

I knew I had killed the mood, but he had to know what I wanted. He couldn't possible think that our relationship would stay to kisses?

"Sex, Edward." I said.

"You want to have sex?" He asked perplexed.

"Could you have sex with me?"

"Right now?"

I held back a smile as I looked at his innocent expression. It reminded me that he had been raised in a different time. Sex was saved until marriage and gay sex wasn't even a thing that was talked about. This must be swirling around his head.

"Of course not. I want my first time to be special." I said a little embarrassed. "But, that comes with this, you know. Sex. Could you do that?"

"It's not something I really thought about. I just assumed it wasn't going to come up any time soon."

"You're not really answering my question."

"I don't know."

"Right." I said as my shoulders dropped. "You know sex is a very important part of a relationship."

"Why are you even thinking about that? Shouldn't you be focusing on school? Have you applied to any colleges?"

"How can I possibly think about school? I'm going to become one of you after graduation. Aren't I supposed to be some bloodthirsty newborn?"

"But you can think about sex?" He asked.

"I'm a freaking teenage boy and my priorities aren't where they should be. Sue me." I said annoyed.

"This just proves that you aren't ready for sex."

"Its my body." I said. "You don't get to decide that."

"Obviously I technically can since I'm the one you want to have sex with." He said sounding pretty proud of himself.

"I can have sex with anyone I want."

"Yeah, who?" He asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Only one name came to my mind. Of course, it would be him. But, the fact that his name came up scared me. What did that mean? Why had I automatically thought of Jake?

"Whatever." I simply said and turned back towards my car. "I was leaving."

"You're not going anywhere." He said as he appeared in front of me blocking my way.

"If you care about me as much as you do you will let me go. I do not appreciate your controlling tendencies. You don't get to decide what I do or where I go. If you don't want me to fucking cut you out of my life right this moment you will step aside, now."

He didn't say anything. I moved around him and got into my truck. I watched him from my rearview mirror until I turned out of the parking lot. He stood there the whole time. I wouldn't be surprise if he followed me until I reached the treaty line, but at least he had let me go.

I felt the dirt road as I transitioned from Forks to La Push. I was at his house in no time and hoped that his father wasn't home. I just needed to make things right with Jacob.

"What are you doing here?" Jake asked as he opened his door. "Aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Aren't you supposed to be in school?" I asked in return.

"Touché." He said with a laugh and let me in.

"Did you just get out of bed?" I asked.

"I had a long night."

"Patrolling?"

"Yeah."

"What are you guys patrolling for?"

"Making sure the Cullens don't get hungry and decide to take a detour down here."

"They don't drink from humans. I told you that already."

"One of them attacked you."

"It was an accident. A slip up that's all." I said defensively.

"We can't afford a slip up." He said sternly.

"Whatever." I sighed. "I came to talk about us."

"There is no us." He said.

"Jake, you're my best friend."

"Don't give me that crap." He laughed. "I like you, you know that. The last time we saw each other I tried to kiss you."

"Why do you have to complicate things?"

"Me? I'm pretty sure if your bloodsucker wouldn't have returned you would be with me not him." He spat bitterly.

"Jake…"

"I don't want to hear it. Just get out." He said and began pushing me back into the door. "I don't want you to come around ever again."

"You don't mean that." I pleaded as I held back tears.

Why did it feel like he was breaking my heart? It ached terribly.

"Go back to your bloodsucker or should I say your boyfriend, huh?" He asked coldly as he pressed me against his door.

"He's not my boyfriend." I said my voice shaking.

I'd never seen him get this angry before. The way he had been glaring at me menacesily had me petrified, but it was gone. He looked at me almost surprised and his hand came up to caress my cheek.

"Does that mean I have a chance?" He asked.

I didn't know what to say, I was too scared that he might leave. I didn't want to hurt him more than I already had. That's why when he leaned down and I didn't turn him away.

It was different from Edward. His hot lips coated mine in an uncomfortable heat. His breath was hot and it seemed to suffocate me all at once. I was filled with mixed emotions, but I couldn't keep my body from reacting on its own accord. I slipped my arms around his shoulders and pressed him closer to me. It felt as if he was swallowing me whole as his hands gripped my waist and pinned me against the door.

Things were escalating quickly, but unlike Edward, Jacob didn't pull away. Every inch of our body were touching and I could feel how aroused he was. I was in the same state, but I had to stop. This whole situation was weird. I hadn't meant for this to happen.

"Wait." I said as I pulled away, but his lips went to my neck.

He sucked and I went weak in my knees. I gasped or did I moan? I wasn't sure, but whatever noise I had made had him sucking harder. I bit on my bottom lip and slipped my fingers into his hair. I pulled at it and he groaned, but I wasn't trying to seduce him. I pulled hard enough until he yelped.

"That was not cute." He said and rubbed his scalp.

"It went too far. I didn't expect this to happen." I sighed. "I don't want to mislead you…"

"I get it."

"You do?" I asked.

"You like me and you like him, too."

"Jake, I don't…"

"You can't deny it now. Especially not in the state that you are." He smirked and pointed at my tented pants.

"The way my body reacts doesn't mean anything." I said embarrassed as I attempted to cover myself up.

"I know. It's in here." He said and placed a finger over my chest. "That's why I'm going to make sure I'm the only one in there."

"Jake." I said softly.

He leaned in and placed a different type of kiss. This one reminded me of Edward's. It made my heart beat and it terrified me. He pulled away obviously pleased with himself.

"I think I might be closer than I think." He smirked.

"This is not what I came for." I sighed.

"I know." He smiled. "I don't want to kiss and run, but I have to. There's a pack meeting I should get going to. I'm actually late, I was about to leave when you got here."

"But you looked like death."

"I was sleeping in until the last minute." He laughed.

"Oh."

"I'm glad you came over." He said.

"Jake, you have to understand, this was not my intention." I said.

"Yeah, yeah." He said waving me off. "C'mon let me walk you out."

"Jake." I said annoyed as he led me back to my truck. "I'm being serious."

"Me, too." He said and placed a quick kiss on my lips.

How was so comfortable with all of this? What a contrast he was to Edward. God, why was I comparing them? Fuck, I'm screwed.

"I thought I would have to wait until late into the night." Edward said.

"What are you doing?" I asked annoyed as I stepped out of my truck.

"Making sure you came home safely."

"Well, I have. You can go home." I said.

"I don't want us to be mad at each other." Edward said as he stood outside my door. "Can we forget about it? It's like you said we're not dating. Can we cross whatever bridge until then?"

I looked at him and I knew he felt bad. I wasn't sure what about, but I sighed and I stepped aside letting him walk in. I dropped my backpack and hung my coat. I kicked off my shoes and headed upstairs.

"I'm tired. I hope you don't mind." I said.

"What about your dad?" He asked as he followed me.

"He's going to be at the office late. I'm pretty sure you can make your escape then. I noticed your car wasn't parked outside. He won't even know you were here." I said.

"So, how did it go with Jacob?" He asked as I made myself comfortable on my bed.

"We talked." I said, feeling shitty for not being honest.

"And that's it? Everything is okay, now?" He asked.

"Yup." I said as I yawned.

I raised my hand and rubbed my neck as tilted my head to the side. It happened almost instantly. Suddenly I found myself completely on my back and pinned down by Edward.

"What is that?" He demanded as he pressed a cold finger on my neck.

It gave me the shivers, the ones that could have my little friend up and stirring. But it was not the time for that. I was in deep shit. I hadn't thought about it, but now that he stared at me accusingly I knew that Jacob had left a mark.

"It's nothing. Get off." I said as I tried to thrust him off.

"Talking, huh." He said annoyed.

"I don't have the responsibility to tell you everything."

"What did he do?" He asked angrily.

"God, he didn't do anything. We just kissed." I said annoyed.

"Here?" He pointed at my neck. "And here?" He asked as he traced my lips.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

His lips silenced me. The sudden coldness made me jump as he pressed himself against me. My mouth opened quickly for him. His cool breath refreshed me as I took him in. He was being more aggressive and felt my lips tingle with pain, but I didn't care. I wanted more. I bit his bottom lip and attempted to slip my tongue inside, but he quickly pulled away. He was at my neck suddenly and I gasped.

I was rock hard underneath him and didn't care that I was rocking against him. He was sucking and I was growing faint. I was panting and gasping as I clawed at his back. I wanted his lips back on me, but he pulled away completely then. His coal black eyes looked down on me. I'm pretty sure they were supposed to terrify me, but I couldn't be more drawn in.

Edward was shaking above me and I suddenly felt protective over him. Was this too much for him?

"Cio." He said shyly as he sat up, rolling off me. "I'm a virgin, too."

"You are not." I said in disbelief as I sat up.

"I don't know what kind of image of me you have, but I'm not some sex maniac."

"I just assumed." I said as I shrugged my shoulders. "Not the sex maniac part, but in all this time you've never done it?"

"No." He answered.

"Is that why sex is such a weird subject for you?" I asked.

"In my time it was different."

"I know." I said.

"I'm sorry if you want me to be more sexually driven, but its just not who I am."

"It's okay." I said honestly. "Just lay with me."

He got lower and comfortable as I snuggled into him. In one swift motion he had me under the blanket as he lay on top of it.

"I don't want you to get too cold." He explained.

"Thanks." I said.

"Why did you kiss Jacob?" He asked suddenly. "Sorry, it was kind of bothering me."

"Honestly, it kind of just happened." I said.

"Did you want it to happen?" He asked.

"I don't know. No?"

"You're not sure?"

"I wasn't going there for that. I just wanted to get my friend back."

"And Jacob wanted more than that."

"Yeah."

"So, you turned him down?"

"Not exactly."

"Are you deciding between us?" He asked.

No, of course not. It felt kind of obvious who made my heart skip a beat, but Jacob was getting dangerously close. I was playing with fire.

"I'm going to sleep." I said.

"I'm not going to give you up easily." He said sternly. "I'm going to fight for you until you don't want me."

I blushed under his declaration. I closed my eyes and couldn't help, but smile. I hoped that I could get the same courage as them to express myself because right now I was finding it extremely difficult.

"I need a break." Ben sighed and stood up. "Snacks?"

"Yeah." Angela and I answered in unison.

I continued to seal the envelopes with a wet napkin as he walked out. It was a boring Sunday and it was strange for me. I would usually be with the Cullens right now, but they had gone hunting together. That left me alone. I could have gone with my father to La Push, but right now I was avoiding Jake. He had tried several instances to contact me, which I had shut down every time.

"Thank you for helping." Angela said.

"You have so many family members. Will all of them really show up because we might need to take the graduation ceremony outside." I teased.

"Shut up." She laughed. "It's more of a courtesy thing. Are you inviting a lot of people?"

"Just my mom and step-dad. Neither of my parents have siblings, ironically, and my grandparents on both sides have passed away."

"Oh."

"So, did you hear back from your top college choices?" I asked.

"I got rejected by two of them already, but I won't say which ones. That way I can pretend I got in to the one I really wanted." She smiled.

"You applied to so many that your acceptance letters are going to start pouring in." I said.

"Thanks. How about you?"

"Oh, I'm not… I haven't done anything. I just don't think I'm going to do it." I said awkwardly. "Take a year off maybe."

"That's cool. Maybe you could travel? I hear a lot of people do that." She said kindly.

I was glad she hadn't reacted like Jessica or my parents. They seemed to disapprove greatly and I'm pretty sure my mom wasn't talking to me. Which is kind of awkward since graduation was approaching quick. My dad just wanted to make sure it was what I really wanted to do and he made it clear that I had to get a job ASAP if I wasn't going to school. Though, I agreed, it was pointless.

Everything was pointless when I thought about it. Me hanging out with Angela and pretending like we were going to stay friends. Talking to Jessica and the others like if I was going to stick around. Making my parents believe that I wasn't going anywhere. In reality, I was going to die. It was somewhat planned already. The Cullens, mostly Alice, had concocted that I would have some type of fatal accident. It was going to happen soon after graduation.

Just thinking about it made my skin go cold. My hands stopped moving and I couldn't help lock my gaze on her. She was looking down busily working and I was terribly jealous. Not of her necessarily, but that she was going to have a life. She's going to go to college. Experience all the things you are supposed to experience as a young adult. She would graduate and find love. Get married and have kids. She would have all the things I never thought about before until now. Even though I hadn't ever really wanted those exact things it hurt that the choice was taken from me.

"This is the best I could come up with." Ben said as he walked in with a bunch of healthy snacks. "I really need some junk food in my system, but this will do."

"You're going to have enough of that in college." Angela said as she reached for a handful of grapes.

"I will be in heaven." He said and handed us each a bottle of water.

"Guys." Angela said shaking her heard. "I'm over here dreading the freshmen fifteen and you can't wait for it."

"What's that?" I asked.

Ben looked equally confused as me and she only laughed. She cocked her head back and covered her mouth as she broke out into a wide smile. Ben leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead before taking his seat next to her.

We continued to keep working until the very last envelope. It was actually pretty nice to hang out with them. At first, I was scared by their relationship. But, Angela made me very comfortable. Of course there were couple-ly moments, but even I had to smile at those. They were just so cute together. I really hoped they would last.

"Thank you for coming over and helping out." Angela said as she hugged me goodbye. "See you tomorrow."

"See you."

When I arrived home it was late. My dad would be sleeping already and so I was quiet getting into the house. I heard his loud snores immediately as I made my way through and into my room. Almost immediately Edward who stood by my window startled me. I placed my hand over my chest where my heart was beating rapidly from the scare I had just gotten.

"Sorry." He said with his stupid smirk as he made his way over to me. "How was your day?"

"It was fine. I hung out with Angela and Ben all afternoon." I said as I met him on the bed. "How was your day? Hunt down your favorite?"

"We had small game this time." He said.

I pulled off my shoes and shirt off. It was as naked as I could get with Edward here. I slipped under my covers and Edward joined me as always with the blanket between us.

"Did you guys do anything else? I mean do you go your separate ways and then meet back together?" I asked.

"We all make the run together most of the time talking and us kids just goofing off. Once we reach our hunting area we tend to separate."

"Sounds boring. Maybe next time I could join to keep you company." I said.

"No." He said alarmed. "That would be impossible."

"Why?"

"It's when I'm at my most vulnerable. I let my hunger take over. If you were miles near by I'm not sure I would be strong enough to stop myself from…"

"Would it really matter at this point?" I asked as I rolled my eyes. "I'm going to be one of you."

"When we are hunting we are setting out to kill. I could snap your neck or tare at you savagely all as I drink you dry."

I shivered as his words. He tried to move, but I gripped his shirt and held him closer.

"Don't go." I said softly.

"You're tired and it's late."

"It's never stopped you before." I said and looked up at him.

I knew he was probably torturing himself with the images that were also playing in my head. I could see it clear as day Edward standing over my mangled body. I closed my eyes briefly before locking them with him. I needed him to stop thinking about himself as I monster. I sat up slightly and pulled him to me. I placed my lips on him slowly caressing his. I wanted it to be sweet because I needed him to know what he was capable. He could be soft and delicate.

He placed his hand on my neck and held me closer. My fingers locked into his shirt as I opened my mouth not being able to control my hunger. I so easily wanted more. He stuck his tongue inside and I accepted it greedily only briefly before he pulled away.

"Sleep." He said quietly.

"How can anyone sleep after that?" I teased.

"You have school tomorrow."

"So do you." I said as I yawned.

He chuckled and helped me get more settled into bed. He pulled the covers tighter and held me. I laid against his hard form that become my pillow. I instantly went out.

The next morning Edward and I arrived at school only to spot Jacob at the school entrance. He was looking around obviously searching for something and I assumed it was me.

"Cio, don't." Edward said sternly.

"We're at school. What are you going to do? Take me back home?"

"Cio…"

I didn't let him finish as I got out of the car. Jacob seemed to sense us and automatically looked our way. He sat straighter on his bike as he looked at us. Students were looking at him quickly noticing he wasn't from here. I could hear their hushed tones and I blushed as he began making his way to me.

"Don't." Edward said sternly.

I thought he was talking to me, but he was looking straight at Jacob.

"He needs to know." Jacob answered.

"I need to know what?" I asked.

"That's not your choice to make." Edward spat.

I was being completely ignored.

"I knew you hadn't told him. Cio hates when he's left in the dark. You should know that." Jacob said proudly of himself.

"I'm right here." I said annoyed. "I also hate it when I'm talked about as if I'm not here."

"I came to leave a message." Jacob explained. "Sam says that the next time you cross the treaty line you won't be getting just a love bite."

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"The other night we were after the red head and in the chase one of them crossed the treaty line." Jacob explained.

"Victoria is back?" I asked alarmed as I turned to face Edward. "And you didn't tell me? You spend the night with me and didn't say a thing,"

"Cio, I didn't want to worry you…"

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop deciding things for me?" I hissed.

I was fully aware that people were now staring, but I was too angry. They couldn't hear anything anyways; we were still in pretty hushed tones. Though my demeanor probably gave it away that something was obviously not right.

"I told you." Jacob said smugly.

"You shut up." I said pointing a finger at him. "Let's go."

"Where are you going?" Edward asked alarmed.

"Away from you." I spat and walked towards Jacob's bike.

He quickly caught up and climbed on. He turned the bike on and I got on behind him. I could feel Edward's burning stare along with everyone else's. I slipped my arms around Jacob and he sped away.

I felt like I was going crazy. I could feel the tension on my shoulders as I hunched against Jacob's back. I was shaking with anger. How could Edward keep something like this from me? Especially after everything! Did he not know me?

Like before Edward had let me down, but Jacob was there once again. I sighed pressing myself harder against him. This was all too much. Above this whole stupid love triangle now I had to deal with Victoria's vengeful ass.

Could life be more difficult?

A/N: Here we are in the Eclipse portion! Hope you guys are excited! I am. I am looking forward to giving Jacob a fighting chance to make this harder on Cio. I will mostly focus on the trifecta here and leave the Victoria and Newborns as the side action. But rest a sure, shit is going down lol

A lot happened in this chapter. What was your favorite part? You preferred Jacob or Edward's scenes? Oh, yeah, I went there lol

As always, Don't forget to R&R!

Stay awesome