A/N : Hey Guys !
Sorry It's taken me so long to update. I got a severe case of writer's block over the past three days so excuse the delay !
Okay, I haven't read the books beyond New Moon or seen the movies beyond New Moon so I don't know if any history was given about Billy being in a wheelchair or Jacob's mother.
This is an AU story so please just go with my explanation of things. A lot of people were curious about Billy's reaction to Edward and Jacob's relationship once they got back, so hopefully this will help answer all those questions and about what's going on his head right now.
Chapter 24 – History, Awkward Conversations and Declarations
Billy watched as his son made his way back into the house. Relief and affection welled up in him as he saw his son standing in the living room. He looked a little worse for wear but otherwise whole and unharmed. All the turbulence of the past hours melted away as he stared at Jacob stand arm in arm with the pack watching over Seth's sleeping form.
The elder man had spent the last four hours boiling water and holding forceps and clamps and checking vitals and using surgery tools he hadn't ever seen with Emily, while Carlisle operated. His reasons for helping in the operation hadn't been quite as altruistic as it may have seemed to the others.
He was a member of the council of Elders and as the only present member it was his duty to stay and observe all events in order to make a full report later the to the council so necessary action could be taken should anything go wrong. While there had been little choice but to let Carlisle operate on Seth at this point the elder was still going to ensure that everything happened under his watchful eyes.
Billy's distrust and antipathy of the Cold Ones stemmed from old wounds. He hadn't forgotten the massacre in the reservation fifteen years ago. His first encounter face to face with the Cold Ones of the legend, an encounter that changed the course of his life completely. It had started with people going missing only to be found days later drained of every single drop of their blood. A clan of vampires had traveled through the area killing and leaving a trail of bodies as they went.
Initially the Council had suspected the Cullen clan to have returned and broken the treaty. However when their house was searched found to be empty and unused upon inspection, and no trace of the Cullens had been found on the reservation, the Council had to concede that it was a different group of vampires.
At the time there were only four shape shifters within the tribe. The shape shifter gene had skipped a generation within both Billy Black and Harry Clearwater. No one could explain the reason for the exception but Billy came to resent the fact with a vengeance after the attack.
The group of vampires launched a surprise attack on the reservation after their attempts at acquiring easy prey were thwarted for several days due the presence of the wolves. The vampires had been killed but the slaughter they had created during their fight for survival had left scars that would take lifetimes to heal. The shape shifters had defended their people and won the battle at the cost of their own lives.
The carnage left in the wake of the attack was ghastly. The sight was enough to make the staunchest warriors shrink back in horror. Limbs had been torn from bodies; skulls smashed open like egg shells, there were splatters of red turning to brown on the walls of the houses. The cries and pleas of mercy of the women and children had ripped through the air and made the men's blood curdle. Even the soil had turned red with the amount of bloodshed the area had seen.
The tribe had picked up the pieces and tried to carry on with life but the memories of the attack haunted the survivors. For some time the tribe lived in fear that more may come. However news of the shape shifters guarding the tribe had reached the world of the vampires and most of them avoided the area and most certainly the reservation completely.
The tribe had lost a total of twenty three lives that night, including women and children. In a community as small and close knit as theirs it was a huge loss. Entire families had been obliterated along with many people losing their children and spouses. All those who had lost someone had chosen to move away, the pain of continuing their broken lives in the same place became impossible to bear, all save one.
Billy Black had stayed back; out of his obligation to the tribe and his ancestors and the memory of the love of his life – Sarah Grace Black. He had not only lost his beloved wife to a vampire attack; but alsothe use of his legs due to injuries sustained in the battle. The physical wounds had healed with time but his bitterness towards the Cold Ones had festered and grown. He wanted vengeance that couldn't be had since the vampires had been killed.
His children proved to be his salvation. He would have drowned in his own grief, a hollow and embittered man, without them. After recovering from the delirium of the medical drugs and haze of this own grief when Sue Clearwater had walked into his hospital room informing him that his children were here to see their father, Billy shed the first tears for his wife and the tragedy that had befallen all of them.
The girls, Rebecca and Rachael were nine and seven at the time and Jacob was barely a toddler at two. The children had been visiting Sarah's parents, at the time, and had been spared from the gruesome assault. Billy was loathe to be separated from his children. He had rejected the offer of his wife's parents to take the children in, remaining adamant that he could take care of his children without their help.
He had thrown himself into proving that fact, and it saved him from dwelling on his lose as he juggled being a mother and father to the girls and Jacob. A job he enjoyed and got better at as time passed. The subject of Jacob's mother was a sensitive one. Billy didn't speak much of his wife and the children realized on seeing a pained look in his eyes whenever he gazed on her photographs or spoke of her that their father was still hurting.
Rebecca, Rachael and Jacob had been too young to explain the truth at the time. They' had been told that the death of their mother was caused by a sudden car accident which had killed their mother on the spot and left their father in a wheelchair. The sudden disappearance of a large number of people was put down to everyone deciding to move to a new reservation, which was partially true and no one really had the stomach to relive the horrors of that night by trying to explain it to the children.
It was evident that the gene which had skipped a generation was present in full force in Jacob. He was in fact the rightful Alpha of the pack, however being too young to assume command and not having phased when the others started phasing Sam had taken the lead.
The elders had explained this to Jacob and Sam during one of the Council meetings, a proactive step to avoid any problems of jealousy and resentment later. The council had been relieved when Jacob had explained he had no wish of reclaiming the title of Alpha and he would back Sam one hundred percent in any decision the man chose. He was happy under Sam's leadership and this was a non issue.
Billy had considered revealing the truth to Jacob once the phasing started however watching Jacob struggling to cope with the loss of Bella and how miserable he already was he didn't have the heart to reveal any more to his son and add to that heartache. He had been biding his time for the opportune moment but with the way the events were shaping up it was evident he would have to let Jacob know the truth.
When the Cullens had come back to the reservation, Billy's voice had been vociferous in opposing the vampires to continue dwelling here. The Council overruled his opinion stating that his ancestor had been the one to make the original treaty and the Cullens hadn't been responsible for the massacre. According to the new treaty, the Cullens would be obligated to help in case any rogue vampires showed up. The council was wily in its strategy of defense. Billy had seethed internally for weeks over the decision and for the first time questioned the wisdom of his ancestors.
Time had healed some wounds and he no longer hankered after vengeance as he had come to realize that no number of dead leeches could bring back his wife. It didn't change the fact that he harbored misgivings about them, no matter what they did or how much they proved their loyalty. It was his instinct to assume the worst of any leech. Too many years of brooding and allowing those negative thoughts to cling to his psyche had made it impossible for Billy to think otherwise.
It was irrational and to a great extent unfair but it was the truth of Billy Black. His world had been turned upside down when Jacob had revealed he had imprinted on a vampire. He had felt cold terror grip him in that moment and he had turned away from his son and the situation presented to him. Jacob was his pride and joy, the shining beacon of light in his life, and no matter how the vampire reacted; there was only one possible outcome for Billy. The imprinting would rob him of his son. His pain and fear had multiplied tenfold as his mind came up with all the implications of the fact.
He would lose his son, like he had lost his wife fifteen years ago; he would lose his son to a vampire. He had wanted to scream to the heavens at the injustice of it all. Protectiveness and distrust warred in his heart. He hadn't gone to meet Edward that day at Sam's knowing he wouldn't be able to control his temper. Then Jacob had gone missing, run away after the vampire with no regard for his own life and Billy knew in that moment he was fighting a losing battle.
The conversation with Jacob had warning bells ringing in Billy's head. Jacob had implied that the vampire had behaved in a friendly manner, and even though he didn't want to admit it, Edward had been nothing but helpful during the crisis and courteous during his interaction earlier. Even as he tried to fight against it, Billy could feel jealousy coil around his heart like a serpent. He ought to be relieved and happy that his son's imprint was being supportive yet he couldn't find himself to feel grateful for it.
Billy had no illusions that learning the truth about his mother's death would change what his son felt for the vampire. Jacob was smitten, there was no denying it. Billy had watched as he interacted with Edward. He hadn't been able to see Edward's face as the vampire had his back to the window, but Jacob's face was glowing with happiness. He hadn't seen him look like this at anyone before, not even Bella. It was the way of imprinting. No matter what one may have felt earlier, once a wolf imprinted there was no other for them.
"Dad…"
Jacob's voice broke him free of his reverie. He looked up surprised to see his son waiting for him to acknowledge him. Pushing all the dark thoughts away he outstretched his arms and smiled up at the boy. Jacob half bent and hugged his father, the tension and tiredness of the day seeping away as he felt his father's calloused hands run over his back, shoulders and cup his face to check for any signs of injury.
The elder man held him in a tight grip and Jacob felt the slight tremble in his body as he pulled away and took in the sight of the blood stains covering his t-shirt.
"I'm okay Dad, its Seth's blood not mine… "
Billy just nodded not trusting his voice. Sam walked up to them and clapped Jacob on the back "Quil and Embry are taking first watch. Why don't you take Billy home and we'll talk in the morning ?"
"Are you sure you don't need me for the watch?"Jacob was a little surprised; he almost always got first watch.
Sam shook his head "Not tonight, you two go home get some rest and catch up, be here in the morning by 10:00. I'll let you know the new roster for the watch shifts " then inclining his head towards the man in the wheelchair he added "Night Billy and thanks for everything today"
Billy had already started wheeling himself towards the porch" Don't mention it, c'mon son, let's go, you've got a lot of explaining to do"
Jacob quickly hugged Sam and Emily who had come to stand next to her fiancé. He turned around and grabbed the back of the old man's wheelchair, steering his father out the door called out one last time "Kay Dad let's go. Bye Sam, Emee, see you guys in the morning"
Once they entered the house Billy turned wheeled himself straight to his room calling over his shoulder
"Jake go clean up and then come back down, I'll get dinner started, we can talk as we eat"
"Sure dad" Jacob was pounding up the stairs already.
"Don't go for one of your take forever showers! I wanna talk to you!" hollered Billy from downstairs.
Jacob rolled his eyes and shouted back "I won't Dad! I'll be down in fifteen tops! Chill!"
and the door to his room slammed shut. Billy's shoulders slumped a bit as he thought of the impending conversation. He could guess what Jacob would tell him, but he wanted, no needed to hear it from his son firsthand.
"So" said Billy finally as they reclined on the couch after finishing dinner.
"So" echoed Jacob as he stretched his large frame and pushed himself further into the couch, the relaxed atmosphere and his full belly starting to make him drowsy.
His father fixed him a pointed stare, one that clearly said don't make me drag it out of you.
"How did you know where to go?"
Jacob sat up and crossed his legs on the couch getting comfy. It would be a long conversation and there was really no point in putting it off any longer. Jacob fidgeted a little, he was nervous, he couldn't lie to his father, he'd never been able to, and no matter what he said he knew it would hurt him.
"I got a vision of him when I was at the Cullen house. I don't know how I did it but, I could see where he was…and he was in such pain" his breath caught a bit as he remembered the agony Edward had been going through.
The words were out before Billy could stop himself.
"And you weren't in any pain I suppose! Did you stop to think for one second what would've happenedif you hadn't found him? Or if you had collapsed somewhere on the highway ? What if someone else had found you like that and rushed you to the hospital ? It was a crazy thoughtless RISK ! Too big a risk to take !" for a leech he left unsaid but both father and son knew it was there.
"Dad I know I left suddenly and it wasn't the best thought out plan but I couldn't sit there and do nothing when Edward-" He stopped abruptly watching the features of the other man's face turn harsh and bitter.
He blew out a soft breath and continued in a placating tone
"I'm sorry for worrying you so bad Dad, but he's my imprint and I know this is hard for you…but I couldn't help myself, I had to go"
"What happened when you found him ?"
"It was late at night when I reached his hotel; he was just as surprised to see me. He was pissed off at me too, said the same things you are, he was worried about me. I was exhausted from running so he just told me to go to sleep. We talked the next day. He…Dad he's accepted the imprint. Completely. Our bond is so different from the normal imprinting though, I can feel his emotions and he can feel mine. He told me it's something that happens with vampire mates. Edward, he …Dad, he thinks of me as his mate."
Billy's head shot up as he tried to wrap his mind around his son's words. Jacob sat very still, letting the other man process this piece of information. He knew it would take his father some time to get used to the idea. Billy's head was spinning with everything he had just heard from Jacob.
He thinks of me as his mate.
Of all the possible outcomes since this whole ordeal had started he hadn't ever expected to hear these words. He had resigned himself to being there for Jacob as his son struggled with the rejection and neglect from his imprint or even the civil platonic friendship that had been established as a means of keeping the peace. He had never thought the vampire would accept the imprint in its most intimate form.
It seemed the elders knew what they were talking about, the prophecy was coming true. A vampire and wolf joined together in the bond of mates, given the chance to live their lives together as the other two hadn't been.
" He wants you as his mate" Billy's voice was strangled
" Yes" Jacob wondered if his father was going to have a panic attack just about now.
" Did he say that? Those exact words" again Billy's voice was tense and the words clipped
" Yes dad, I …" Jacob was cut off before he could explain any further.
"What do you want?" it was a futile question but he needed to hear Jacob acknowledge his feelings for the vampire.
"I want this too…he makes me happy Dad, he took care of me while I was there; I haven't felt this way about anyone before."
" What about Bella?" the elder man asked wondering at the strange turn of events. Both of them had loved Bella at one point, this was a little surreal, funny in a ridiculous way in his opinion actually.
" It's in the past, our bond is much stronger than any connections in the past" Jacob answered steadily
When Billy spoke next his voice was tired and pained" That's what I was afraid of…"
"what do you mean ?" Jacob was feeling apprehensive at the words.
"You obviously care for him Jake, and more than anything I want you to be happy… but I can't honestly tell you I'm thrilled at the idea. I'm going to lose you, no matter what I do…"
Eyes widening as he understood the insinuation of the statement Jacob scrambled forward on the couch pulling his father fast in a hug. He spoke so fast that his words were tumbling over each other
"No Dad! You've got it all wrong! You're not going to lose me! Accepting Edward doesn't mean I don't care about you ! Or that I'll forget about you!"
He tugged harder at the old man " I just…this connection is at a level that both of us are still trying to make sense of…
I want Edward in my life more than anything Dad but no one can replace you! You're both special to me!
I wouldn't trade either of you. You know that right? I love you."
Billy relaxed at his son's fervent words and then sighed wearily as he realized he would need to tell Jacob.
" I think it's time we had a talk about your mom…"
Jacob sat slack jawed. He tried to form words but his mouth was dry and his mind was running amuck with the thoughts and images of the massacre that his father had just described. He finally understood the reason his father had always harbored such hateful feelings towards the vampires. He knew the Cold Ones were their enemies but his father's anger had always felt so personal.
Dazed and stunned he waited as he tried to take in everything he had been told. His whole life his father, the whole tribe, his grandparents, everyone had lied to him about his mother's death. She had been killed by vampires; his father's was in a wheelchair because of vampires. His imprint was a vampire.
"So mom was…they…" his hands shook, his voice trembled and he couldn't bring himself to finish.
" Yes" the reply was curt.
" Dad, I'm so sorry I don't know what to say" he wished he had the words to take his father's pain away.
"Nothing to say Jake, I just wanted you to know, so you don't hear it from someone else, and also
so that you know why I can't trust them"
Billy was used to living with the gaping hole in his heart that Sarah's passing had left him with, he just wasn't sure if he could do it again with Jacob. To accept those creatures who were always the reason for any upheaval in his life. It felt like going against all that he had lived for, against everything he held sacred.
Jacob kept mulling over his father's choice of revealing the past to him. He could've told him any time after the phasing had started. Hell, it might've helped to know all this when he was trying to get over Bella!
Why didn't he tell me when I started phasing? Why is he telling me this now?
Surely he couldn't think that knowing this would change how Jacob felt. Imprinting couldn't be changed and the bond he had with Edward went beyond a normal imprint. It was impossible for him to change his feelings even if he wanted to and he sure as hell didn't. Could his father truly hate the vampires that much ?
"Why are you telling me this now?" he spoke through gritted teeth
"It's hard for me to talk about this even now…I didn't want to tell you at all!" the words were wrenched from the man.
Billy continued after composing himself a bit
"I'm telling you now because I didn't want you to find from anyone other than me. I had thought of telling when you first phased but you were trying to get over Bella, and I knew this would've hurt you more and after that there just didn't seem a good time"
" But you're telling me now, why ?"
SHIT…Oh god ! Don't ask me to choose! I can't give Edward up, and I can't lose you! It's an impossible choice you're asking me to make… Why did you have to bring this up now? Shit, god dammit!
"I'm telling you so that you'll understand my reactions in the days to come. I want to support you Jake but my first instinct is to hate them, I'm going to try like hell for you to overcome that but it won't happen in a day. "
" So you… didn't want me to choose? You just wanted to tell me …" Jacob trailed off
"Jacob!" Billy yelled in righteous anger and Jacob flinched at the tone.
"I've been trying to come to grips with this since you told me about this. I'll say the same thing I told you then, it's not an easy situation but I'm your father first and foremost! You have no control over the imprinting! How could you think that I would tell you this to hold over your head ! Especially now that you have a chance at being happy !"
Hope blossomed in Jacob's heart as he heard his father's words. He felt relief course through his veins and tears prick at his eyes at how much his father was loved him. Vampires had caused him such immense grief and yet here he was, willing to stand by him because he wanted his son to be was extremely lucky to have a parent and friends as understanding and accepting as his own.
"I'm sorry Dad, it's just, you never spoke of this till now, I'm so sorry I just I'm scared. I can't choose between him and you"
" I know" Billy replied in a defeated tone " The vampire world came to know about the shape shifters because of what happened at the rez fifteen years ago. I'm sure that the Cullens know about it too, I just didn't want you to find out through them if it ever came to that. That's the only reason I told you now."
"I'm really sorry Dad; I should've known you wouldn't ask me to do such a thing. I know this must be so very difficult for you, especially after knowing what happened with mom…I'll help in any way I can. Whatever you need to make this easier for you. You've supported me through all the craziness over all the years, its time I did the something for you."
Billy chuckled mirthlessly "This isn't something that can be forgotten in a few days or even a few weeks,
I've been trying to put it past me for years."
"I get what you're saying but maybe you haven't had any real motivation or reason to put it past you all these years.
The Cullens aren't like those vampires. I can't speak for all of them but , Alice, and Edward all helped to save Seth.
If Alice hadn't warned me to look for Seth we may have been too late! Edward pulled the venom out of Seth because
I asked him to, even with all the blood he didn't lose control because he knew how important Seth is to me, Dr. Cullen operated. We would've lost him if they hadn't helped Dad !"
"I know they helped today Jake and I know you trust him, which is why I'm going to try my best for you just don't expect it to happen overnight"
" I know, and it's ok. As long as it takes, I don't care, just give him a chance, for me, please"
Jacob turned on his most adorable face in full force on his father knowing that Billy would never really deny
him something he really wanted.
"Okay, okay, I'll try" The elder man replied grudgingly
On seeing Jacob's face break into a smug grin he frowned just a bit. Then, a thought struck him. Well, he had to be nice to the vampire and get to know him for his son's sake, but nobody said anything about him not getting some enjoyment out of the whole process. This could actually be quite amusing after all!
Billy suddenly got an evil gleam in his eyes which had Jacob tensing, his smile turned smug and predatory. It was the same look his father got when he would strike upon a particularly evil plan of getting back at someone. Currently it was being directed at him.
"I have answers about this bond of yours but I think you both should hear it together"
"Okay" Jacob drawled out the word looking at this father a little uncertainly. Billy seemed to positively light up as he concocted some scheme unbeknownst to Jacob in his head. It never bode well.
" And I wanna talk to him."
"Uhh…okay" Jacob knew that tone, no good ever came from Billy speaking in that smirking tone.
"Alone." Billy said the word with relish
Oh Oh.
"Da-"
"Jacob Black. Do not interrupt me. I get that he's your imprint but if he wants to gain my trust he's gotta play by my rules. Are we clear?"
"Yes sir" Jacob answered meekly.
Oh shit. We are so screwed.
A meeting in the Cullen house, when they weren't running for their lives, or the of the lives of others, and actually had the time to think through strategies, was usually held in the spacious conference room which was in the basement of the house. This night being no exception found all the member of the Cullen clan seated, and lounging in the chairs around the table or in Emmett's case leaning his hip on the edge of the table.
The meeting was to discuss Victoria's return. After spending a good hour talking about all the possibilities of her coming back, having to seek her out, what her plans might be, how to stay safe, planning strategies of both defense and attack there was a lull in the conversation. Carlisle spoke in his usual gentle tone, locking eyes with Edward's and indicating silently to affirm the news
"Jacob will be in more danger than the rest"
"I'm aware of that Carlisle, I'll be ready. I won't allow her to get anywhere near him the next time"
Edward answered with steely determination looking back directly at Carlisle.
Emmett spoke up watching the silent conversation going on between his sire and brother.
" Whoa, whoa, whoa, what's going on? Am I missing something here?"
Edward spoke without any preamble "Jacob is my mate; it's my responsibility to protect him"
Esme shot a surprised but exceedingly please look at Edward. Even Carlisle smiled widely. Clearly they hadn't expected Edward to be so forthcoming of his feelings. They had both thought it would take some time for Edward to openly admit to accepting the imprint and declare Jacob as his mate.
Jasper felt the sheer passion and joy that radiated from Edward as he said the words. His eyebrows almost touched his forehead as he watched Edward's face awash with pleasure as he realized he had said the words out loud and the feeling of happiness they gave him. Esme and Carlisle smiled gently but with pride at their son.
Alice squealed loudly and threw herself at Edward in a display of affection " Oooo you said it ! Gosh I'm so proud of you Edward!"
Esme extracted Edward from Alice's death grip and moved forward to embrace her son gently and speaking softly in his ear "I'm so happy for you Edward"
"Thanks mom" Edward whispered back. He didn't call Esme "mom" very often. Both of them knew what a momentous occasion this was for Edward. Carlisle clapped him on his back; no words were needed to convey the affection shining from Carlisle eyes.
Alice pounced on him again as soon as Esme and Carlisle let go "This is going to be so awesome! Can I go shopping for the stuff for his room?" she questioned holding onto her favorite brother jumping up and down while beaming the whole time.
Edward laughed at her enthusiasm, trying to stay upright as his arms flailed around trying to control the little hurricane that was his sister.
"Alice! Let go of me! Jasper help! Save me from the clutches of your crazy woman!" Edward mock yelled protests as he swept her up and deposited her into Jasper's lap, laughing all the while.
Jasper gasped at the carefree and merry expression on Edward's face. He couldn't remember Edward being this playful even with Bella around. He felt the feeling of surprise and then happiness reflected in the emotions of those around him.
Rosalie turned in her chair and stared at Edward for a long moment and then spoke in disbelief "You cannot be serious!" her tone was cold.
All eyes turned to her and Edward's narrowed to mere slits. He was about to retaliate with a retort of his own, she spoke again in a haughty tone "I'm not putting up with the dog's smell all over the house! You're moving to the basement Edward"
Edward stopped short. It was as close to a blessing he was ever going to get from Rosalie he nodded slowly at her his face relaxing into a small smile.
Emmett who had been watching the whole exchange ready to intervene if needed, threw his head back and roared with laughter
"I knew something had happened! You don't have your usual wound up too tight look !"
He wiggled his eyebrows and leered at his brother
"You were gone for a whole day! So how was wolf boy? Did you two have wild kinky boy on boy sex?"
Rosalie's reaction to the comment was to turn and step in Emmett's foot with her 3 inch stiletto heels.
Jazz and Alice doubled over in laughter, Alice almost falling to the ground from Jasper's lap unable to keep herself upright or stop laughing.
Esme chided as she tried to keep a straight face "Emmett sweetheart, could you not be so crude" while Carlisle tried to hide behind a cough at the look on Edward's face as his eyes went as wide as saucers.
Nothing however prepared the Cullen clan for the smirk on Edward's face and the look of utter determination as he smiled crookedly and slowly spoke the words filled with clear intent.
" Not yet."
Jasper and Alice collapsed onto the floor and Emmett whooped "Hallelujah, our boy's all grown up!"