AN: thanks for the reviews and thanks to bluebaby for betaing this chapter.
Rec story: I Never Said I Would Fight Fair by Daniel'smummy, it's an amazingly hot Bella/Jacob. Must read if you like a very well written story!
"Other things may change us,
but we start and end with family."
Anthony Brand
21. Welcome in the pack!
The day after the Council's meeting I was waiting with trepidation to hear how Leah and Embry's talk had gone. I was scared that she would be stubborn or that he would be too angry about her keeping the secret to forgive her.
The phone rang. "Hello?" I said.
"Good morning Bells. How are you?" the voice of my Jacob warmed my heart.
"I'm okay… any news from Leah and Embry?" I asked.
"I heard from Embry, all seems well. I'll be holding a pack meeting this afternoon to announce Leah's imprint to everyone. I would like for you to be there, we need to tell them about your power and the about the legend." He replied.
"Okay, I was thinking to come cook lunch at your house." And after his happy response I put down the phone and went food-shopping. My wolf was usually a tough eater.
...
When I arrived at the Black's house I was as usual engulfed in Jacob's heated embrace. The warmth was very welcomed; I was always so cold without him.
He kissed my lips quickly. "Hey Bells I've missed you. What took you so long?"
"I went to buy some food for a certain boyfriend of mine; he tends to eat a lot…" I teased.
He smiled and helped me with the grocery bags. Billy was happy to get decent food for lunch but insisted on paying the bill.
I would have none of that. "Really Billy you guys are family, I don't mind buying some food. Next time it's on you, okay?"
After a nod from him I proceeded to prepare lunch, I had bought the ingredients for my famous chocolate cookies as well, hoping to gain some 'love' from the pack. I was scared at how they would react to the news that I could issue them orders.
While I was finishing with the cookies, Jacob came and hugged me from behind. He kissed my neck causing goose bumps all over my body and butterflies in my stomach. "Bells," he breathed near to my ear, "next weekend you'll be mine… I can't wait…"
The tone of his voice caused my heartbeat to quicken at an impossible rate. Part of me wanted nothing more than to spend two nights with him; the other side was a bit scared. Would I disappoint his expectations? Would he disappoint mine?
When his burning hands moved slowly but surely up and down my waist I didn't have any doubt that he would definitely meet my expectations. I couldn't believe that Jacob was going to be completely mine.
I turned in his embrace and my hands reached his neck, I pulled him towards me and his mouth met mine with the same amount of hunger. Jacob broke the kiss, too early for my liking, and when I opened my eyes I saw him taking a step back.
The reason for his behavior entered into the kitchen a moment later, Billy eyed us and then a smirk appeared on his face, it looked like he knew what we've been doing before he came in. I blushed and went back to cook lunch and the cookies.
After lunch Billy retired to his room, he told us that the pack was Jacob's and my responsibility and we needed to deal with the wolves on our own.
Jacob took my hand and squeezed it reassuringly. I knew he wouldn't let anything happen to me.
Quil, Seth and Colin entered together, after a few minutes Leah and Embry arrived too. Embry was confidently holding her hand, she looked a bit embarrassed and shy.
I was glad that she was moving on, maybe later I would be able to ask her to have a 'girl talk'. I didn't have much experience than her but we could help each other. I had always thought that I would go to Emily to deal when considering having sex with a werewolf. But seeing the disagreement between Sam and Jacob it wasn't feasible. Leah would have to do.
Seth and Colin were looking at Leah and Embry with surprised expressions while Quil had a knowing smile. Seth was the first to ask, "What's up with the hand-holding sis?"
Leah looked at Jacob and he said, "Seth, Colin, Quil… Leah has imprinted on Embry, and before you ask it happened when she phased… it took some time for her to adjust to the situation and that's why we know it now and not sooner."
Jacob looked around and met each and every wolf eyes. "Leah is entitled to her privacy so I'm putting an injunction. No one will be able to ask her anything about it; it's her prerogative to tell any of you."
Seth eyed Embry speculatively and then smiled. "I finally got to have a real brother."
Embry smiled back at him and Leah scowled a bit, but I could see that she was happy at her brother's acceptance.
I put my chocolate cookies on the table and all the wolves snatched a few of them. It was nice to see them sitting there munching happily.
Jacob discussed with the pack about patrol's timetable and asked about any problems/concerns of his wolves. When none were put forward he finally met my eyes.
I nodded, giving him my consent to tell the wolves about the recent happenings.
Jacob cleared his throat and everyone's attention focused on him. They could all feel that it was something important. "There are three things we need to discuss; two concern Bella and one Sam." He relayed to them the legend of the first wife, my new power and Sam's challenge.
They remained silent for a while; I guess it was a lot to take in. Quil was the first to talk after looking at Embry. "I can speak for me and Embry when I say that we support you and Bella. I don't mind her power over me, I know she will use it wisely, regarding Sam, you already know what I think. You are the rightful Alpha and you'll reunite the pack."
Leah sighed. "I agree with Quil, Bella... you've been good with me as has Jacob. I'm in."
Seth and Colin smiled at me sincerely and nodded their support.
Embry looked at Jacob then. "When are you planning to challenge Sam? When you win and acquire the remaining pack you'll have to be careful with Paul. He won't like Bella's power."
Jacob stood up and his appearance looked scary and powerful. "I would like to see him try anything against Bella. Paul has been a pain in my back since I phased, I'll kick his ass for sure this time. As for when I'll challenge Sam, it'll have to be next week. This weekend I'm going away with Bella. Today I'll go to tell Sam about Leah's imprint."
The pack caught just me and Jacob going away and was smirking widely. Leah eyed me and I knew that we were going to talk soon.
I took a deep breath, Jacob's pack had accepted me easily but I knew that Paul, Jared and Sam would bring trouble. But we needed a united pack against the threat that was coming our way.
Me and Leah looked at each other again, I opened my mouth but she spoke before me. "Bella, let's go for a walk."
I saw the pack's stunned expressions at her being somewhat nice and I smiled, then I looked at Jacob and he nodded.
Me and Leah walked outside and we headed to the garage. I sat on the sofa and she did the same. She took a deep breath and then she started to tell me how the talk with Embry went. She looked radiant.
"I'm so happy for both of you. You deserve to have someone love you." I whispered.
She was touched by my kindness, but then a strange light shone in her eyes. "Now it's your turn… spill!"
I hesitated a moment…but then I told her about mine and Jacob's weekend and my fears.
She put her warm arm around my shoulders when I finished. "Don't worry Bella. Sam might be acting like an ass right now but he has been a good Alpha. He spoke with every wolf and instructed them about contraception and how to treat girls. Just trust Jacob, he loves you so much and most importantly he respects you."
I was feeling relieved by her words. I already knew that I could trust Jacob, but knowing that he would know what to do reassured me. "Thanks Leah, I'm feeling so much better."
Then Jacob came in with Quil. "We are going to talk to Sam. Leah can you stay with Bella until I come back?"
Leah nodded.
Jacob strode to where I was and kissed me softly. "I'll be back soon. I love you."
"I love you more." I said stealing his words for once. He smiled at me and then left with Quil.
There was going to be a long wait now. After a few minutes Embry, Seth and Colin came in and we all camped there waiting for Jacob to return.
AN2: next chapter Jacob and Sam told in Jacob's POV.