I really don't like the idea of keeping this story un-updated for the obvious reason that I've neglected it for over a year. Besides, there are only 6 chapters left! Maybe less, to be perfectly honest I could probably end it sooner, but 'What a Twisted Happy Ending' has 27 chapters, so I thought this one may as well too.

Either way, it's my mission to finish this.

Also, in case anyone is wondering, I have removed the majority of my 'in-progress' stories to kind of clear any clutter. As far as I'm concerned I had no idea where any of those stories were going, and some of them could be a lot better quality wise. However, I do have a new story up, "Like a Princess", I was kind of set on the idea and I'm really excited about it. So if you have the chance, check it out?

Short chapter is short :(

I'd love your feedback!

**Mimeofthemind

Jacob's point of view

"The Cullen's want us over around 2 am so they can show us some fighting tactics against newborns and they- what?" Embry and Quil share a look and shake their heads. It's a little insulting to watch, and very frustrating when all they do is keep their mouths shut and look in opposite directions as if they were being discreet. It didn't take very much brain power to know this had to do with Lakota. "She's just upset right now, she'll probably come by later and-"

"Rip you a new one?" Embry fills in just as Quil says, "make you into a fur coat." Either way, I'm not surprised, but I still don't know what to say to that.

I really do understand that Lakota probably will need some time to forgive me for postponing out first date – our first date. But how could I possibly enjoy alone time with her when all I can think about is some rogue newborn vampire busting in and taking me by surprise and hurting Lakota?

Kota deserved a first date where I wasn't distracted and there wasn't any impending danger.

She'll understand, really, I know she will.

"She just needs time," I say, turning my back to the two of them.

"Okay, dude, I know this won't make you feel better, but she was really upset after she left. There was crying. She doesn't just cry for the hell of it." Quil's face twists down into a morbid frown, looking increasingly antsier and getting on my last fucking nerve.

"And I'm telling you that I'm protecting her and that she'll understand. I will make it up to her; she's my imprint, my responsibility; just back off and let me handle this the way I know how." Quil snorts in the most obnoxious way known to man and I am only seconds away from throttling him. We've had this discussion before, I know we have, and the more Embry and Quil try to push it the more I get irrationally angry. Quil has an imprint, but she's a toddler – arguments are empty and easy to fix with a hug. Lakota is complicated.

As for Embry, he doesn't have an imprint. Therefor he should keep his mouth shut and wipe that look off his face like he knows what I'm thinking.

"She knows about the imprint."

"Quil," Embry hisses sharply, looking just as shocked as I felt, maybe even just as angry as I felt. Doubtful, considering I was the only one shaking. Absolutely positive that I was going to throttle Quil if it was the last thing I'd do.

"Woah, woah, no," Quil flails a little bit, backing up quickly and putting his hands in front of his face, "I didn't tell her. She just told me that she knew because Se- uh, somebody else told her. And now I'm telling you because you're one of my best friends who happen to be hurting the feelings of my other best friend." I rub a hand over my face is exasperation.

I couldn't tell if this would be a problem, or…helpful?

"When did she…?" I start, raising an eyebrow and trying to remember if there was any point in time where Lakota might have started acting weird- or weirder. There was that whole ordeal with the dog toys; but then again that was something that she deemed humiliating enough punishment to convince her to go with me to Bella's graduation. Then again, she probably would've used that as a reason for us not to go. And at the Cullen's…surely she would've tried to guilt trip me?

"Doesn't matter." Quil clears his throat, turning his head away from my glare but otherwise not looking the least bit intimidated, "you just need to own up and stop making her feel like second best."

"She's my first priority – always has been, you guys know that." Again with the head shaking, "you do!" I insist.

"Well…sure, but Lakota doesn't. That's what matters."

"Exactly, so you should be helping me placate her doubts rather than lecturing me about not being upfront with my feelings while I'm trying to keep an entire army of vampires away from where she sleeps!" I feel my hands quake and my breath come out ragged, trying to reign in my emotions. Embry looks down at his feet, Quil just points to his armpit with a funny look on his face as if I'd know what he's trying to say. I don't. "All I ask," I continue, giving each of them my best stern glare, "is that you try to reassure her rather than make her hate me more than she already does." My voice cracks at the end and I look away towards a random tree to collect myself.

Regardless, it's enough to make Quil and Embry drop their heads and shuffle their feet guiltily.

As they should; feel guilty, that is. As much of a relief is it to know that the two of them have Lakota's back, even against me, they should still have Kota's best interest at mind. Meaning they shouldn't encourage her to disregard the dangers of untrained and reckless vampires.

"Jake, man...we get it, we really do, but shouldn't you guys resolve your lover's spat sooner rather than later?"

Now that's reasonable advice.

"Definitely," I agree, turning back to look at the two of them, "after we've trained with the Cullen's I'll go over to-"

"After? Why not now?" Right now was a bad time as any, I knew that much. The low throbbing in my chest was no doubt tied to the fact that I've been the crappiest most terrible person alive to the only person that has ever mattered to me - on the other hand, it was lessened by the fact that Lakota was safe and would continue to be safe.

It was keeping me focused and determined, no room for any possible errors.

"Because she'd probably find the idea of throwing things at my face more appealing than actually talking to me."

"Fair point. So...what do you want us to do? We could-"

Seth barges in just then, looking more than just a little bit timid and strung on anxiety, his hands interlocked and rubbing over his shaved head. Then, meeting each three of our eyes he sucks in a huge breath and puffs out his cheeks. "Jacob! Lakota knows about the imprint! She thinks that its defective and she's crying in my living room with my sister and your sister and all the other imprints eating our ice cream! I don't care what you have to say, you have to fix it!" Seth actually stomps his foot, looking incredibly red in the face and breathing heavily.

Embry tries to hide his laughter in the palm of his hand while Quil doesn't even bother and just bursts out into giggles.