A/N: Hey Guys! Sorry there's been such a delay in getting this chapter out.
I kinda hit a bit of a writer's block on this one and then when I wrote I wasn't satisfied with it. So, had to delete and re-write the whole chapter all over again.
Enjoy and please review.
Chapter 21 – Visions, and Frantic Calls
"Billy…how long have you been out here?" Sam asked as he stepped out on his porch to stand next to Billy's wheelchair.
"Just a couple of hours…Couldn't sleep Sam…" Billy answered tiredly.
It was true he hadn't been able to sleep, thoughts of Jacob being in trouble running through his mind.
Even the few hours he'd slept had been restless. Under normal circumstances he wouldn't worry about Jacob,
his son was more than capable of handling himself even if there was danger of violence but the imprinting had
made him vulnerable.
Billy hated the thought that Jacob could be out there somewhere, too weak to even ask someone to help.
More terrifying than that was the fear of someone actually finding him and taking him to the hospital. There
had been no contact from either Jacob or Edward for almost twenty four hrs. Billy had waited anxiously next
to the phone in hopes that some news may come his way even if it came from the vampires.
Sam's jaw clenched as he considered his options, he knew that as the day progressed the worry and panic for Jacob would rise within the pack and Billy was not far from having his own melt down. The pack would look to him for answers and action. He needed to form a strategy quickly before the situation escalated.
The pack stood around Sam, the tension was so thick that it could've been cut through with a knife. It was the not knowing that was more frustrating. They all wanted to take action he knew that and to restrain them at this point was to ask them to go against their instinct to protect one of the pack. Jacob and Seth, by virtue of being the youngest in the pack had been always pampered and the pack members were fiercely protective of them.
"There has been no word from Jacob or the Cullens at this point. I know all of you are itching for some answers
and to do something about it. I've called this meeting to discuss what we're going to do in case we don't hear
from Jacob till the end of this evening."
There were enthusiastic barks and words of assent from the pack.
"Great! Please don't leave me behind this time, I can help, please "Seth
"Yeah, now we can stop worrying and actually do something" Embry
"I'm with Sam; we need to have a plan of action" Jared
"Finally! So what's the plan?" Quil
"Damn right, waiting around for the leeches to tell us something's stupid" Paul
"It's what we should've done from the beginning…when and where do we start" Leah
"How do we plan to search, it rained last night and the trail will be difficult to pick up" Jared asked.
"It will be difficult but we don't have any choice, we'll pick up the trail from the highway close to the Cullen house, Carlisle told me that Edward drove his car, so the cities close to Forks are our best bet."
"How do we know he went somewhere near? He could've crossed the border and we wouldn't know"
"Our priority is Jacob; if he crossed the border then we do the same and keep tracking. We're all going to choose
a direction and track along that. Make sure that all of you charge and carry your cell phones and pouches to keep
them in. The moment anyone picks up the trail or finds any news of Jacob we call back. Any questions"
"What if we find nothing along our trail? How long and how far do we keep going?" Jared asked pointing out the
different loops holes in the strategy.
"There's always a possibility that we might find nothing. I'm going to divide the trail between two groups and
we each pick a city and keep moving that way on the highway. If you find nothing within the next 24 hours
you come back to the rez"
"Who goes in which group?" Jared asked again
"Not all of us will be going. I can't leave the reservation undefended; some of us will stay back. In case
something else goes wrong or in case Jacob comes back or tries to contact while we're gone you call us
back and let us know. Jared, Leah, Quil and Seth, you're staying back. Jared has command while I'm gone
and Leah will be his beta."
"But….Sam please take me with you guys, I'm always the one left behind …I'm a good tracker, and I won't
be any trouble, please Sam" Seth pleaded trying his best to convince Sam.
"Seth, I know you want to help but the best you can do that right now is by staying back.
I don't wanna come back to hear reports of you trying to be a hero and wandering off alone is that clear? "
"Fine whatever…" the response was sullen.
"We wait until 8:00 in the evening, by that time it'll be dark enough for us to be able to move around phased.
Everyone gather at my place at 7:00."
The pack phased back and everyone started dispersing in different directions.
Seth knew why they wouldn't let him go. He was the youngest in the pack, and with Jacob gone there was no
way they were letting him out of their sights. But dammit it was so unfair! Why was Jacob allowed to run off in
search of his imprint even when he was physically unwell and he had to stay here and not even be allowed to help?
He was a member of this pack, why couldn't they just trust him to be able to handle things?
He'd been training just as much as Jacob he had far better control of himself and his fighting since the time he first phased. Sam himself said he was one the best trackers they had, and now when they needed his skill they were
asking him to sit this one out.
It made want to gnash his teeth in frustration! Sam left from the clearing in a foul mood not even attempting to
speak to anyone else or hide his annoyance.
Sam watched Seth stalk off and his expression turned pensive. Jared spoke up "want me to talk to him"
"Just keep an eye on him and let him run perimeter around the rez. He needs time to cool off, he's is no mood
to talk to anyone right now" Jared nodded at Sam and ran off.
At the Cullen house Alice sat cross legged on the edge of her bed trying to peer into her favorite brother's future.
Her gift was something of a puzzle; the images came to her of their own will. She had been able on most
occasions to look into the future of her family, but more often than not the images came to her when her family
was in danger. She had no way of knowing when they would strike her.
She had seen a vision of Jacob and Edward in a hotel room lying in each other's arms.
It had come to her just minutes before Jacob had crashed from the window and left everyone stunned at the
Cullen house. Alice had sprung into action as soon as the vision ended and fortunately only Jasper had noticed her 's dramatic exit had left everyone too preoccupied to think about her.
She'd had time to plan her meeting with Jacob to perfection, as vampires still enjoyed a slightadvantage where
speed was concerned. Hence her forethought in providing Jacob the clothes. Knowing Edward's possessiveness
she may have given Jacob Emmett's stuffdeliberately, not that she would ever admit to it if questioned. But hey,
what else is a sister to do when her brother couldn't see what was staring him in the face!
Alice had told Jasper all about it and asked him to keep it quiet. There was no reason to panic, she was certain
that Jacob would find Edward. What Jacob and Edward needed at this point was time alone, away from both their families. They needed a chance to come to grips with this bond away from everyone to work out their feelings.
Alice was confident that they would come back together (as in together) once they'd had a chance to talk away
from the craziness of the Clan and Pack.
Ever since Jacob's involvement with Edward his future had become murky, all she saw was blurred swirls like
moving pictures and even then she wasn't able to make out what they were saying. Unlike the mental picture
she experienced for the rest of her family members or any danger that was approaching them. Those were like
a movie playing in front of her eyes and she couldn't look away even if she wanted.
Suddenly she could feel the sensation that came just before a vision hit her and her eyes went blank and face
slack as she was bombarded with the images. Alice was ecstatic and comforted at first when the blurred pictures
were of Jacob and Edward together, holding hands and laughing, the vision changed again and she watched them
kissing passionately in an alley.
She watched as they huddled together while they walked and exchanged kissed completely unaware of the figures following. She stared in growing fear as the images kept blasting and sequence of events which ultimately were
going to lead to Jacob and Edward being separated and the Clan and Pack torn apart in a way that would be
impossible to mend.
Alice gasped; fear rippling through her as the remnants of the vision clung to her. She couldn't allow it to happen,
this would ruin everything.
The bond between Jacob and Edward was still tenuous at best; they needed time together for it to strengthen.
If the events that she had seen came to pass there was no way they would be allowed to see each other.
The trust and progress between the Clan and Pack would be broken and lives would be lost on both sides.
She needed to act quickly. Looking swiftly at the clock hanging on the wall she did an estimate of what events
were transpiring now in relation to her vision. She didn't have much time.
She had always known that Edward would pick her phone once he had calmed down but she hadn't called on
purpose knowing that Jacob would be with him. She picked up her phone and sent out a prayer to anyone
who was listening and dialed Edward's number.
For several rings there was no answer and then the phone was disconnected. She hit redial immediately rejoicing
that it had been disconnected. Disconnecting meant Edward had it with himself and it was charged. She kept calling
until Edward picked up and spoke in a tense voice
"Alice…this isn't a good time"
"I'm sorry Edward but I did wait until after…Look this is important, you need to come back. Right away.
Both of you."
"What happened Alice?... What are you talking about?" Edward asked a little surprised that Alice knew Jacob
was with him. He hadn't thought it possible for her to see the wolves.
Alice avoided answering him in favor of replying. "Jacob is he with you? Edward please tell me he's with you!
I need to speak with Jacob" Alice spoke the words in a rush.
"Alice slow down, yes Jacob's here…what happened?"
"Oh thank God! Ok, just tell him to call Sam. Right now. He needs to call Sam before they start the search"
"Alice you're not making sense, do you mind explaining!"Edward spoke a little annoyed now at not getting
any answers from his sister.
"Arggh…Edward, I love you, but right now but I don't have time to explain everything. This is essential for
things to be ok for you and Jacob! I wouldn't tell you if it wasn't! Have Jacob call Sam right now and say
you're on your way home. You need to stop this search from happening at all costs!" Edward was listening
intently now, the note of panic in Alice's voice registering.
"Alice, this is Jacob! What's going on?" Jacob snatched the phone from Edward
"Jacob! Listen to me; you need to do exactly as I say ok? Please. It's very very important. Call Sam and
tell him you found Edward, say you're all right but don't talk for too long and don't give him details. Just
tell them you're both on your way back. Say you're leaving right now."
"Alice you're scaring me, please tell me what's going on?"
Alice sighed in a defeated manner on the other end of the line and spoke
"They're getting together a search party…the wolf pack, Sam just called and Carlisle has agreed to help
track alongside with them, for you and Edward. You need to come back before they start looking for you.
I'll call back to explain a little later but for now just trust me please. Call Sam and tell him to call off the search
and ask to speak with Seth and your father. "
Jacob and Edward started at the phone still clutched in Jacob's hands and then each other. Edward watched
as color drained from Jacob's face as he took in Alice's words.
He could feel panic rising in sharp waves and realized it wasn't his own but Jacob's. The guilt came crashing
down on him in as the image of Billy sitting in his wheelchair looking out from the porch, face drawn in worry
swam in his head.
Shit. Shit. Shit. I'm such an ungrateful fuckin moron. I told Sam I'd be fine, I should've called him at least to
tell him I'm ok…Dad…Oh god…Dad must be going crazy… shit he hasn't even seen me since that day when
Seth and Sam came to get me… Seth…shit the kid must be so worried about me…How could I just forget…
and here I am enjoying not a care in the world …I'm such a selfish asshole
Edward listened in to the thoughts and berated his own stupidity. Alice knew more than she was telling him.
She would never have called sounding so frantic if there wasn't something crucial that might happen if they
didn't do exactly as she said. He should've had the sense to inform Carlisle and it would never have gotten
this far. He held onto Jacob's arms and spoke soothingly
"Jacob, one step at a time love…Let's call Sam first ok"
Shit..he's going to be so mad…how do I tell him I've been ok all this time and just having a blast while he's
probably been killing himself with worry…how could I just forget about them…
Edward felt his own anxiousness gnaw at him in that moment. Sam would no doubt be angry, he hadn't scored
any points with him before and now he was certain he was in Sam's bad books. Steeling himself against the
emotion he willed himself to calm down. Jacob needed him right now; it wouldn't help the matters if he started
worrying as well. He needed to be strong and calm for Jacob.
It was surprising how quickly he was able to master his emotions when the motivation behind it was to act for
his mate. He pulled Jacob into a quick hug before squeezing his hand reassuringly and speaking
"Don't give him too many details is what Alice said…Just speak to Sam and tell him you've located me and
we're on our way back ok. Just relax, you can do this. "
Jacob nodded shakily. Edward handed the phone to Jacob who keyed in the number and waited with baited breath.
The phone rang as Sam was about to set out to meet with the Cullens, they would start the search from their house as Jacob had left from there. Picking up the phone quickly Sam answered in a tense voice
"Uley's house"
"Sam ….hey it's Jake"
" Jake …Jacob…Thank God ! Where've you been Jake! …we've been worried sick …Billy…Where are you ?
Are you ok ? Jacob, tell me you're alright !" then yelling towards someone else
" Emily, it's Jacob ! He's Ok !"
Jacob felt a lump form in his throat. He could hear the worry in Sam's voice, and he was certain that if he
was standing in front of him he would be able to see the concern written all over his face, and Emily oh shit !
She would've had to deal with Sam all moody and worried; he could be such a complete dumbass sometimes!
He felt like such a horrible brother for making Sam and everyone worry so much about him. Swallowing past the
emotion threatening to choke him he spoke
" Yeah, I'm ok. I'm fine Sam, I-"
"…God, we were just gonna leave to start the search for you…Jacob you sure you're ok?
You don't sound so good"
"Sam I promise I'm ok! Don't worry ok, I'm fine….you don't need to… what search? ok well you don't
have to search anymore… I'm fine and I'm coming back. Where's Seth? Is he ok? Can I talk to him?"
"Ok, you, ok… good, you're ok. Yeah, we're all here, except Seth. He's running perimeter. I'll send someone
to tell him. Where are you? I'll come and get you…just tell me where you are… and this isn't a pay phone…
where are you calling from?"
"I...It's Edward's phone, I'm with him right now, I found him Sam. We're in Seattle. Listen Sam is Dad?
Is he alright…? I know I just kinda went MIA and …can I talk to him? Is he around?"
"Seattle" the word was spoken in shock "Jesus, you found him! Ok I…Billy's he's at the Cullen house… Jake,
I…I'll just call him and tell him that you're ok-"Sam was stumbling over his words, a little stunned at the
realization that Jacob had been able to find Edward.
"Wait what? What's he doing there Sam? Why is Dad at the Cullen house? Is everything ok?"
Jacob voice held panic now.
"Shit Jacob! No everything is not ok! We've been freaking out of our minds thinking about you…wondering
where the hell you are, if you're ok or not ….and Billy needed to do something about it and it just got ….
Shit. Sorry, this isn't helping" Sam paused to take a deep breath and continued
"I…it's just we were scared Jake… I was scared… and …but it's fine we'll talk once you're back …Jake,
call the Cullen house and talk to Billy, he…it'll be good for him to hear your voice and then call me back ok"
Sam's voice returned to the same steady and calm tone as he finished speaking.
"Yeah…yeah ok. I'll just …Sam I'm so sorry"
Jacob's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions as he processed Sam's words
Billy needed to do something about it
His father detested vampires, he always had, yet he had gone over to the Cullen house in his desperation to
find out news of his son. He just hoped that's what Billy was doing and not threatening the Cullen clan with all
manner of retribution should something happen to his son. Jacob wouldn't put it past his father; the man spoke
his mind and wasn't scared of anything or anyone.
"It's alright Jake, we all know how clueless you can be… no need to go changing that consistent behavior now"
Sam's teasing brought Jacob back to the moment.
"Thanks Sam… see ya soon"
"See ya lil bro"
Jacob looked towards Edward who nodded softly and moved closer to place his hand on the small of Jacob's back.
"My dad, he's at your place…" he spoke in a small voice not saying all the thoughts running through this head.
Edward could hear them anyway.
He went to your house, he went there on his own to your house…I dunno what he's doing there but for him to
be there means he must've gone out of his mind thinking about me…it's…he would never do that …its such a
drastic step for him to take… and he did it only coz I've been an idiot and I just didn't even think to call…
I could've avoided all this…
"I heard Jacob …you can't do much about the last two days but you can call and let him know you're ok now,
I'm sure both of you would feel much better after you've spoken….let's call him ok…"
Edward heard Jacob's thoughts and sought to reassure his mate when another of Jacob's thoughts came through.
Shit I'm so stupid, what if he's angry with me, what if he doesn't wanna talk or gets pissed coz I forgot about him,
it'll hurt him so much….
"Love I think his relief will override any anger he may have towards you…and even that anger would be because
he was worried about you in the first place"
"That's what makes it worse…I should've at least called…"Jacob hung his head in guilt.
"Why don't we call him and let him know you're ok and then we'll deal with the rest"
Edward spoke rubbing a hand soothingly on Jacob's back. Sighing heavily Jacob just nodded and reached out to
take the phone from Edward.
Carlisle's cell phone rang just as he was descending the stairs to join Billy who was in the garden at the back
of the house. He saw Edward's name flash on the screen and picked up immediately, relief and worry for what
he might hear warring within him as spoke
"Edward, are you alright? I'm glad you've called. Listen Jacob left to look for you an-"
"Um…Dr. Cullen, its Jacob, is my Dad there?"
"Oh..." Carlisle was speechless for a couple of seconds his mind processing the fact that Jacob had called using
Edward's cell phone. It meant Jacob had found Edward, which meant they were together right now. Recovering
rapidly from his shock though his mind was whirling with a lot of questions he answered
"Jacob…it's good to hear from you, yes your father's here. Please hold I'll just pass the phone to him"
There was silence for about ten seconds and then Jacob could hear Carlisle soft voice speaking to someone and
heard his father's deep voice answer "What ?It's really him …"
"Hello" Billy Black's deep rumbling voice came through the line and Jacob closed his eyes for a moment to steady
himself.
"Dad" he said in an wavering voice
"Jacob …."Billy's voice was choked with emotion and Jacob knew that his father, the stoic , strong man was
fighting back tears.
"Dad… I'm ok. I'm so sorry I worried you and I ran off like that but I'm ok Dad…I'm sorry please…"Jacob didn't know what he was pleading for but hearing his father speak his name in that tone made his insides squirm.
"Jake…you are never to scare me like that again you hear! I was so ….we were …son…" Billy spoke between deep
gulps of air to keep him from breaking down.
"Dad I'm so so sorry to put you through that, but I swear I'm fine." Jacob was having trouble controlling his own emotion.
"You…you found him then…where are you" Billy's tone was flat when he said the word him. Clearly it would take
some time for him to forgive Edward his part in the whole escapade.
Jacob winced slightly at the words knowing that Edward had heard it "yeah Dad… I, I did, he's here with me,
we're in Seattle"
"Seattle…doesn't matter, you come home son, just come home now ok" Billy breathed out relief settling
in his heart.
"Yeah dad…I'm on my way, we're both coming back…I what?" Jacob suddenly broke off when Edward
nudged to him and gestured for the phone.
Raising his eyebrow questioningly Jacob tried to ask Edward silently why he wanted to speak to Billy.
But Edward just shook his head and asked for the phone again by stretching out his hand.
"Dad, he wants to talk to you…Edward…he wants to talk can I…"
"Uh…yeah..." Billy was suddenly at a loss for words. Why in the world did the vampire want to talk to him?
"Hello Mr. Black, its Edward Cullen…" A dulcet voice spoke through the phone
"…Yeah" Billy's tone was cautious.
"Mr. Black, Jacob is with me, we're in Seattle right now. I apologize that it took us so long to call you…
but I assure you everything is fine. We just need sort out of things here and we'll start. We're on our way
back. We'll reach Forks by 10:00pm or 11:00pm at the most. Again I'm really sorry that we worried you. "
Billy started at the words, one because Jacob hadn't said anything other than he had found the vampire and
two because Edward's tone was one of such sincerity and concern, he didn't know if he quite believed it. He
found himself speaking
"What do you mean sort everything out? Jacob just told me he's fine! Why would he-"
"Mr. Black he's perfectly fine, he's not sick and he's completely unharmed, I'm sorry I didn't mean to alarm
you with my words. Jacob's had a long day and just need to rest a little, he's just tired…and I need to check
out of the hotel. It won't take much time and we'll start as soon as we're done with that."
"I….I want to speak to Jake"
Billy felt uncomfortable talking to Edward about his son as if he was actually a concerned imprint.
The whole idea after everything Billy had seen in the last weeks was ludicrous. He was probably doing it out
of some sense of guilt or was scared, well he better be scared. No one got away with giving Jacob hell and
not have to face Billy Black at some point.
"Jake, what the hell is going on ? What aren't you telling me ? Are you sure you're ok ?
Did you have another attack? Did he do something? "
"What ? No Dad, no. No didn't have an attack! I'm fine. And no, he didn't do anything, He's been great.
I'm ok Dad I swear, don't worry about me…we'll start from here right now" at which point he glared at
Edward his nerves coming out on the person he could direct them at right now.
Why did you have to say that to him, now he'll freak out! You're not his favorite person right now you know!
Billy felt torn; he was worried for his son and he wanted tell Jacob to put Edward back on the phone so he
could lash out the vampire whom he felt was the cause of this whole situation. However Edward had been
nothing but polite and it seemed like he was trying to get into Billy's good graces.
Of course it would take a hell of a lot more than an apology for Billy Black to forget that Edward was a
vampire and his part in the whole sequence of events so far. He felt a twinge when his conscious reminded
him that said vampire was now his son's imprint. He was also a little miffed at his son's defense of the vampire.
"No…you…Jacob if you're alright then start right now! I want… I need to see you son"
"Yeah I know Dad…I'll see you soon"
Jacob disconnected the phone and looked at Edward and spoke dejectedly.
"Guess the holiday's over! Let's go"