21. I WOKE UP IN BIZZAROLAND

JACOB BLACK

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It figured I would miss everything while asleep. It was also nice to know none of them thought to wake me up so I could have a say in the meeting that involved everyone.

Of course, it all began when I was woken up by Bella's ice cold hand on my arm early in the morning. All of a sudden my body had felt shivers up my spine. Goosebumps then appeared all over, and the hair on my arms and legs shot straight up. Usually, being in physical contact with a vamp didn't have that effect, but she caught me off guard. Especially, since I was sweating a little in my warm, comfortable bed.

"Hey, sleepy-head." Bella announced. "I know it's early in your view, but you've already slept for sixteen hours."

Jeez, sixteen hours. That was almost a whole day. What was the time exactly? I quickly pulled the covers off of me and got up. I realized also I had the same clothes on as before which I guess was now yesterday. Looking over at the clock on the wall, my mouth fell open. It was 5:30 in the morning. "Why the hell did you wake me up this early?" I asked while I wrinkled my nose at the smell I tried to get use to, but still couldn't.

Bella looked apologetic. "We need to fill you in on a few things. The guests will be coming in a few short hours."

"Guests?" Then, before I let Bella answer, I looked around the room and added, "Where's Ness?"

"Oh, um, a couple of hours ago, Edward came in here and got her. She's with Rose now."

"So, whadda miss? Are we playing hostess to a couple of leeches again?" I put on a fake smile.

She squinted her eyes at my comment. "Oh...I think it would be best if Edward filled you in."

That couldn't it be good. "Why can't you just tell me?"

She took a deep breath before starting. "He--okay, first off you will either agree or disagree with the choice that we have made, but it's too late to change your mind since they will be arriving shortly."

Clearly, Bella was forgetting my mind worked two steps slower than hers because I was completely lost. "Come again?"

"Alice got a vision of the Volturi coming soon, which will put us all at danger. Alice said they're just coming to offer peace. Apparently, with no strings attached. Not for a second, though, did any of us think the Volturi would come all the way over just to form a treaty. So, we talked with Vladimir, who had visited earlier. He had told us of an imminent war in the near future of a vast amount of vampires against the Volturi, which is the reason why they want us to be on their side."

"So are you?" I interjected.

"Let me finish, Jake. See, Vladimir said he had eleven followers so far, but that he was quickly converting others. Aro has been recruiting new vampires with gifts he sees valuable as well. As a family, we agreed to Vladimir's proposal. He offered us protection with sending six of his followers to Portland so when the Volturi come we have backup just in case they have another motive other than making a treaty. I'm sorry, I know this is a lot to take in, but we're doing the right thing, I think."

I felt fire burn through my veins. "So, that's it? You've chosen Vladimir's side? Are you kidding me, Bella!?! You don't think he's got a trick up his sleeve, too? How come you all have been so quick to judge Vladimir as a good guy?" I had my anger under control to be point I wasn't about to phase but I still couldn't help from shouting. At this point, probably everyone in the house could hear this conversation loud and clear.

"I could tell," she answered, sure of herself. "He was being truthful when he came by yesterday."

Evidently, I still had to point out the obvious. "Bella, he's bringing over six vampires to this house today, right? Did you not think of Nessie? These bloodsuckers aren't going to be on your special diet." Did I somehow wake into an alternate universe? Since when did Bella not think things through. I curiously wondered if Rosalie would all of a sudden run into my room and give me a hug.

"Renesmee smells too sweet for them to find her--" Bella started choking up. "Don't you think I've gone through different scenarios--hundreds. Have a little faith in me."

"Well, if this anvil wasn't just dropped on my head...." I trailed off. "Did you take into consideration maybe Vladimir wants the same thing as the Volturi? To finally take out the Cullens once and for all? Why else would he just send six of his group to you?"

"Because he finds us useful in this inevitable battle. He knows the Volturi will visit us soon."

"How?"

"Because it's common sense. Who does Aro want most Jake?"

I sighed as two names came to mind.

"Yeah, exactly. I'm sorry Jake that we didn't wake you up, that was impart all our faults. It was a matter of just figuring out what to do in the shortest amount of time. Can you see clearly now? We made the right decision."

I shook my head. "No sorry, but I just can't see how you can trust six unknown bloodsuckers to come into your house and expect to listen to you." I paused and weighed my options. "What are they going to say when they see me?"

"They know our alliance with the wolves. You're fine."

"You said I can come and go as I please, right?"

She blinked. "Yes, Jake of course--what are you thinking?"

"I'm going to Forks." I didn't realize I wanted to until it was out of my mouth. "I going to give the pack a heads up on the incoming vamps. I'll come back when the parasites leave or end up dead or if what you say is true, stationed wherever you place them. But, I can't be here right now."

Without saying goodbye, I hopped out the window next to my bed. I felt Bella's eyes on me until I sprinted in the forest to phase.

---

Immediately once I crossed state lines, I heard Embry in my head.

I'm coming home. I announced.

For good?

For the time being. It would be hard leaving Nessie behind but I believed Bella and Edward would save her above all else. I knew anyway, I wouldn't be able to stay away for long.

Oh, jeez. A war? Embry stated after reading all my thoughts. How could they chose sides like that without your input?

Protection.

Crazy. That's all I got to say. So, does that mean you've come to tell us we've got a new fight on our hands? I'll tell ya, Jake. It's been kinda boring here in Forks without any vamps around.

I wish I could say the same. But yeah. I came to inform you all that if a war should start, it's going to affect every one of us.

Sweet! Seth announced. I'm so pumped to fight alongside Edward again.

I was coming up to the forest behind La Push. It's where I found the shaggy wolf with sand-colored hair. He was more muscular than I remembered, but then again, Seth was sixteen now. Just as I remembered, though, he was as eager and energetic as the last time I visited. He would always want updates on how his favorite Cullens were doing every time I showed up unexpectedly. There wasn't much to tell him until now.

It's not sweet, Seth. Remember that royal vampire coven? They're supposedly coming again. Soon.

So this is bigger than last time? Embry asked.

Yes.

Well, I say we phase back and talk about this to the rest. It's obvious we can't sit out for this kind of thing. Especially since Ness is a Cullen. Seth proposed.

Meet me back at my house?

Will do. Embry stated. I'll get a hold of Sam and tell him to round up his pack and spread the news that you're home.

Just like that Seth turned around and sprinted towards town. I followed behind until I caught up and surpassed him. I phased just before I reached my backyard. I slipped on my tattered jeans and walked towards the door with Seth right behind me.

"Jacob." My dad smiled, welcoming me home. He wheeled himself into the living-room where I found Paul and Rachel, as well as Leah sitting on the couch.

"Hi, everyone."

A few minutes later Embry and Quil strolled in with Sam and the rest. Once everyone got situated, I stated the reason why I came. Specifically, how there was an inevitable war right around the corner.

"This isn't our battle to fight it seems." Sam announced after I finished my small speech. "Should we get involved, we could easily have a few casualties of our own and in the end, what would we gain?"

"It isn't about that. It's about protecting the Cullens." Seth piped in. "They'd do the same for us, and seeing as Jake imprinted on Nessie..."

"If it comes down to protecting humans, we will fight. I promise my pack we will, Jacob. However, be that as it may, should this war just be vampire versus vampire—"

I cut in. "Don't forget, that royal coven wants us all exterminated since we would refuse to be their "guard dogs". It would be in our best interest to side with the Cullens, who are against them."

"This isn't just because you're a little bias? You've been living with them for months now. It's clear you would risk your life to save one of them," Leah added.

I knew I would for Nessie and Bella, but would I for the rest? Rosalie...probably not.

"I think we should continue this another time. Remember, this is all hypothetical if a war should ensue."

"If? It's when, Sam. The Cullens are so worried they've agreed to backup. Six vamps are coming to watch the perimeters of Portland."

"I'm sorry, Jacob. I'm not risking any one of us for something that doesn't involve the safety of humans. It's not our duty to choose who's the nicer vampire and take sides."

"Fine. I'm sorry I wasted your precious time you could have had with Emily." I stormed out of the house, hearing my dad call my name before I shut the door behind me. I walked into my garage to cool down. That's when I heard footsteps. I turned around and saw it was Leah.

"Look, you do what you think is best. Sam, Paul, they're getting to the point of just wanting to settle down. I, on the other hand, though I don't like the idea of helping out leeches when I'm not getting anything in return," she took a deep breath, "I'll still fight with you. And, you know Seth will without a doubt."

"What happened to quitting?"

"I decided I would start aging once I found..."

"Are you the only one left?"

"No, some of the younger wolves like Collin have yet to imprint. However, being the sole female, like I said before, I probably won't. I'm a genetic dead-end. I'll have to find my soul mate the old-fashion way."

"And what way is that?"

"Dating. Getting the hell out of La Push, for instance."

"You've changed so much you know that?"

"Me? Jake, you use to want to kill the bloodsuckers and now you're living with them! They're practically your extended family."

"True." I shrugged. I've pretty much come to terms of how weird my life has become. "But, you know if I had another way...but I can't physically stay away from her. I'm worrying about Nessie right as we speak."

"You should go then." She paused. "Seriously, Jake. I'm always in your head as a wolf if you need me. That goes for Seth, Quil, and Embry. I'll mention it to your dad that you've left."

"Thanks, Leah." I smiled and then I headed back out into the forest. I finally understood where I belonged. I just didn't expect to be the link that tied vampires and shape-shifting wolves together.

I really wished I could wake up from this dream, but it was my life.

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