(A/N): So yeah I love having time to myself. I hope y'all don't mind getting such a quick update..lol. I wanted to get into this chapter because I like where this story is right now. It's a lot of fun! I know I said a few more chapters until the jump, but it might be a few more. I expect this fic to have around 50 chapters all together, give or take a few. I got bored this morning and formatted it like I would for a publisher. It's seriously 200 pages long. I was shocked. Anyway, thank you to everyone for reading and to my reviewers..y'all are the best! I know it's a busy time of the semester for everyone in school so I just want to say good luck to everyone!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters

The Story of Us: Chapter 26

Jacob's POV

"I can't stay out here all day," Leah said, her voice filled with excitement. "My mother is getting married tomorrow."

Nessie was in the woods somewhere, and although she could clearly hear Leah she couldn't see her.

"Oh come on Le Le," Embry's voice joined hers. "I've missed you all day and it's really a pain in the rear trying to keep this from everyone. I should be rewarded for my efforts."

It was then that the two of them came into view and I felt Nessie's shock couple with my own. Leah Clearwater was actually embracing Embry, and it was obviously not a sisterly embrace. Leah laughed again.

"Embry Call," she said in mock agitation. "Would you quit being so overly dramatic? Do you think it's easy keeping this from Jake?"

"Do you think it's easy keeping this from your brother, or mine, did you forget that they live in my head?" Embry jutted out his lower lip into a pout.

"Ah, poor baby," Leah giggled before reaching up to kiss him. "Just give me a little bit more time. Going public isn't going to be the easiest thing either of us have ever done."

Leah and Embry were dancing and it took me a few moments to realize that Nessie had dropped her hand and I was seeing things through my own eyes again. Although I'd pieced together what was going on before Nessie had shown me, actually seeing the truth had caught me off guard. I began to feel myself being pulled and I realized that Nessie was tugging on my hand, trying to lead me from the dance floor. I was so stunned that I followed her without thinking. I replayed what I'd seen over and over again in my mind, trying to make sense of it.

"Jacob," Nessie's voice broke through the images. "Jacob, please say something."

I tried to focus on her and forming a coherent thought. She had brought me up to Bella's old room and her brown eyes were widened with worry. I suppose I should be grateful. If anything were going to cure me of my shock it would be Nessie.

"I'm fine," I began weakly, "it's just, wow."

"I know," Nessie nodded in agreement. "I wanted to tell you before, but then I felt like it wasn't my place, but then Daddy heard their thoughts and he knew, and then you figured it out, and-" she had began to ramble.

"It's okay," I assured her. "I just can't believe this."

"You are so not Leah's type," Embry's voice ran through my mind.

My surprise slowly began to give way to new emotions, intense emotions that I recognized as anger and worry. What the hell were they thinking? Hadn't Leah learned her lesson? Hadn't Sam hurt her enough that she would know better than to get involved with a werewolf that hadn't imprinted on her? And with Sam's brother of all people! The last thing Leah needed, when she'd been doing so well, was to get involved with another one of Joshua Uley's offspring. And what was Embry doing? He knew how much guilt Sam carried over hurting Leah. If Embry hurt her Sam would carry that guilt as well. Of course Embry wouldn't be carrying any guilt because Seth would kill him, but I might beat him to it. The rest of the pack was free from Leah's thoughts, but I wasn't. I didn't think I could stand another one of Leah's heartaches. Plus, there was just the strangeness of it all. When Leah had first joined the pack, and had made it her personal mission to make everyone as miserable as she was, and Embry had disliked her more than anyone. She'd tortured him, and the rest of us, by bringing up his unknown parentage constantly. Now he was missing her and calling her "Le le". None of it made sense.

"Jacob," Nessie said. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm just," I tried to control my tone, "angry."

"Angry?" She asked surprised. "You're angry about Leah and Embry?"

I merely nodded and I was caught off guard by the passion that my response brought forth.

"Why?" Nessie demanded. "She's happy and so is he. You're their friend and you should be happy for them."

"Nessie," I said calmly, "You don't under-"

"Yeah," she snorted. "What would I know? I'm just an overgrown three year-old with a crush on a werewolf."

"You're not being fair," I told her, almost pleading. "You know that's not what I meant."

"Then enlighten me," she shot back, not meeting my eyes.

"You don't live inside of her head," I explained. "You haven't had to see how much hurt she suffered because of Sam imprinting on Emily and breaking her heart. What if he imprints on someone else and she has to go through all of that again? I don't want to watch her suffer, Ness. Plus, if Leah gets hurt what do you think that will do to the relationship between Embry and Sam, or Embry and Seth. What affects one member of the pack affects every member."

She turned back toward me and I saw, with relief, that her features had softened.

"I get all of that," Nessie said slowly, "but I also see how happy Leah is. She's like a different person. After all that she's been though doesn't she deserve that? She lost Sam, then her dad, and now maybe she has a chance to get back some of what she's lost with Embry."

"I want Leah to be happy," I told her sincerely. "It's just that imprinting, apparently, isn't quite as rare as we thought it was. Why can't she go be happy with someone that she doesn't have to worry about that with?"

"Why did you imprint on a half-vampire?" She countered. "Would it be any different if she fell in love with an average guy and he broke her heart? It happens all the time. Nobody knows why things happen the way that they do. I get that imprinting runs deep, but that doesn't mean that that old fashioned love can't run deep, too."

I couldn't argue with her on that point. I hated it when she made sense when I wanted to be unreasonable. I thought about how I'd felt about Bella. That love had been strong, but I also knew that it was nothing compared to how I felt about Renesmee. However, if Bella had chosen me there wouldn't be a Renesmee to imprint on. My head began to swim at the implications of that thought. Every heartbreak I'd ever suffered was worth it to have her in my universe.

"Sam and Seth are going to freak," I said as I ran a hand through my hair.

Nessie's eyes widened in horror. "You're not going to say anything," her voice was filled with panic. "Please Jake. I told you because it was you, but this is Embry and Leah's secret to tell."

It went against my better judgment to keep something like this from Sam and Seth, but I couldn't deny Nessie something that was so clearly important to her. I would just have to figure out a way to keep this to myself. It shouldn't take long for them to figure out anyway. It was obvious to me by the way they'd looked at one another as they'd danced. Plus, Embry couldn't avoid shifting forever. Eventually he was going to find someone else in his head, and then it would be game over.

"Okay," I said softly as I pulled her into a hug. "I promise I won't say a word."

"Or think it," she added. "Don't think you can sneak around with your Alpha mind tricks and let Sam in on the secret," she paused. "Maybe you shouldn't shift for a few days. I don't want Leah knowing that I'm the one that told you. She was just starting to like me."

I couldn't help laughing. Of all the people in the world that Nessie had to latch on to as a role model it astounded me that she'd chosen Leah Clearwater. I guess she could do worse, but I still found it amusing.

"Okay, okay," I promised again as I released her. "Maybe we should go back to the party. We don't want to get people talking."

"Do you think you can deal with this," she asked, obviously not convinced. "I mean, can you pretend like everything is the way it was?"

"I think I can handle it," I assured her. "I'm still not pleased with either one of them, but for your sake I won't say anything."

"Thank you," she whispered sincerely.

"Okay," I smiled as I shrugged my shoulders like a fighter about to enter the ring. "Let's do this."

Nessie giggled, the response I'd been hoping for, "Let's go."

XOXOXO

Renesmee's POV

I was a little surprised to find Daddy waiting at the bottom of the steps, but he was clearly in a light hearted mood. He shot Jake a compassionate smile.

"I've come to steal my daughter?" He laughed. "Her mother has ditched me for a younger man."

"Younger man?" I asked, slightly confused.

"Seth demanded to dance with his new sister," Daddy's grin widened. "It's kind of funny to watch them. They're both trying to deal with each other's scents without being too obvious."

I heard Jacob chuckle and I joined him. I grabbed on to Daddy's arm and shot one last glance Jacob's way. He'd promised me that he wouldn't say anything and I knew that he'd meant it. Jacob didn't make promises that he thought he couldn't keep.

When Daddy and I reached the other couples I saw what he'd been talking about with Mama and Seth. Apparently, they found the situation quite amusing as well because I could see their bodies shaking with quiet laughter. It sort of reminded me of when Jacob and I used to eat things like Doritos and Goldfish crackers and then breathe in each other's faces.

"You were right to defend Embry and Leah," Daddy's voice interrupted my thoughts. "I know where Jacob is coming from, but the last thing Embry wants is to hurt her."

"Does he love her?" I asked.

"Yes," Daddy confirmed, "but I'm not so sure that Leah realizes that. She's trying to go with the flow, but she has a cautious nature. She's worked so hard to get to a healthy place, but she's finding it increasingly difficult to control her feelings. Despite the risks, he's good for her."

I simply nodded and we continued to dance in silence.

"Mind if I cut in," Seth broke in after a few minutes. "I'd like to dance with my niece."

"First you steal my wife," Daddy retorted playfully. "Now you're taking my daughter."

"Hey," Seth argued. "Every uncle has the right to dance with his niece." He grinned devilishly, "Plus, I wanted to talk to her about that Black kid. I'm not so sure about him."

Daddy laughed boisterously, "I think that's a lost cause, but go ahead."

I smiled as Daddy gripped Mama and began to twirl her away from us. Seth sighed with relief.

"I love Bells, but my nostrils are burning," he whispered as I laughed.

I looked around to see Jacob dancing with Grandma Esme, obviously not having the same level of difficulty that Seth had had. Happily, I let Leah and Embry drift from my mind as I danced with Seth, then both Grandpas, followed by both Uncles. As I had danced with Uncle Jazz, Aunt Alice and Jacob had danced, which was very entertaining. Before I knew it, it had gotten late and I'd grown quite tired. Before we left to head home I hugged Grandpa and Sue, as well as Seth, Leah, and Claire. I'd laughed so much that my stomach felt sore from it, but I couldn't help chuckling when I saw Sue sending the La Push boys home with cake. They must have spent a fortune on it because it was so huge, and she sent them each home with half a round.

"Breakfast," Jake said as he slid into the backseat with me.

"I don't think so," Grandma Esme laughed from the front seat, although I had a feeling that she was serious. She tended to take Jacob's nutritional needs pretty seriously.

I was happy to find Kate, Tanya, Eleazar, and Carmen waiting for us when we returned. I could tell that Jacob's presence tensed them slightly, but he appeared to be very at ease. He really did spend too much time with vampires. It was getting very late and I could feel my body yearning for the comfort of my bed. Jacob let out a monstrous yawn and I could tell he was tired, too. I excused myself to bed and he did the same, following me up the stairs.

"Thank you again," I told him at my door, "for not giving anything away about Leah and Embry."

"It's for the best," Jacob shrugged. "Today wasn't the best time to be outing secrets. Plus, they are both adults. I just hope they are considering how this could affect everyone."

Perhaps it was because I was so young, but I couldn't share his sentiments. It might be selfish, but if Leah and Embry wanted to be together then I didn't think anyone else should be a factor. However, I was tired and I didn't want to argue with Jake. He gathered me into a hug and kissed me chastely on the forehead.

"'Night Ness," he said as he released me.

"'Night Jake," I replied as I went into my room.

My bed was inviting and it took very little effort for me to drift off to sleep and I felt myself sink into the Jacob dream that had become almost a nightly ritual.

XOXOXO

"Wake up, Nessie," Aunt Alice exclaimed. "There's a storm coming!"

"Storm," I murmured groggily, not quite ready to wake up. Why on Earth would she wake me up for that?

"The clearing will be dry," she explained as she began to rummage through my clothes. "We're going to play baseball. It's been a long time since we were all together with so many players. It'll be your first game!"

"Didn't a sadistic vampire stalk Mama after the last baseball game you played," I pointed out.

"Ancient history," Aunt Alice replied, obviously unaffected. "Besides, no humans this time around so we should be fine."

I sighed. Aunt Alice obviously was in one of those mindsets where I wasn't going to dissuade her from anything. I forced myself out of bed. Surprisingly, Jacob was already in the kitchen when I'd made my way down. Grandma Esme had obviously won the battle over the cake breakfast since a plate full of scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage set in front of him.

"Morning," he greeted me happily.

"Good morning," I replied. "What are you so sunny about?"

"I'm always sunny," he smiled at me, "but I'm excited. It's been a long time since I've played baseball."

"You're playing?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah," he answered as though this should be obvious. "Why would you think I wouldn't?"

"Well," I answered as I poured myself some juice. "There are a bunch of vampires that you really aren't used to, and you are a little bit more delicate than the rest of us."

His eyes were steel. "I am not delicate," he answered gruffly. "I play football with Emmett, Jasper, and Edward all the time. Plus, it's not like you are any stronger or faster than I am."

"True," I agreed, amused by his defensiveness, "but I also have granite skin. I'd hate for you to get hurt."

He looked as though I'd just insulted his mother and taken the Lord's name in vain before spitting in his face.

"I'm not going to get hurt," he said stiffly as he shoveled the last bite of eggs into his mouth. "Quit being species-ist."

"Okay," I giggled. When he started making up words I knew it was time to cut him some slack.

Everyone else obviously seemed to be enthused by the game, even Mama. It was sort of infectious and by the time we'd made our way to the clearing I was thoroughly excited. Uncle Emmett got the great idea to make it men against women. Grandma Esme and Carmen were happy to serve as umpires so that the teams would be even.

"It's time," Aunt Alice announced serenely.

The ladies were up to bat first and Kate lead off. As the bat made contact with the ball an earsplitting roar ripped through the field. The ball had shot out into the woods, but Daddy was a blur as he retrieved it. Kate was sliding into third base as Daddy launched the ball to Garrett. I was pretty sure she would be out, but Garrett dropped the ball.

"Woman," he roared at her, half in laughter. "That is cheating."

"Esme," Kate called, asking for a judgment.

"No more than wearing spikes," Esme replied. "She's safe."

"Great," Garrett rolled his eyes. "They've got an illusionist, a fortune teller, and two shields. What have we got?"

"When you lose Jazz can make you feel all warm and fuzzy about it," Aunt Rose told him as she stepped up to the plate.

The innings went by quickly. Daddy was a menace in the outfield, but Aunt Alice was equally as dangerous on the mound. Uncle Jasper liked to try and throw her off her game with his fancy bat tricks, but even he couldn't shake her concentration. However, if I were being honest, the game itself wasn't nearly as fun as all of the trash talking that was flying around. Poor Jake got the worst of it. Uncle Emmett hadn't grown tired of teasing Jacob just yet, even though he was on his team.

"Bring it in," Aunt Rose had called out when Jake had come up to bat in the third inning. "Pup's up to bat."

Jacob's eyes had narrowed in determination, trying not to let her get to him.

"Okay beautiful," Uncle Emmett called from the side. "Show 'em who the real belle of the ball is."

Uncle Jasper had laughed, but I was glad to see him defend Jake, "Come on Em, cut him some slack. He's on our team."

I felt a surge of pride as Jacob had ripped a rope that had been untouchable. I didn't go nearly as far as the hits by the rest of them, but he hit it squarely enough that he was able to put himself on the base. His competitiveness was extremely attractive. Instinctively, I began to chastise myself for the thought, but when I saw Daddy's lack of reaction I relaxed as I remembered my thoughts were my own. It really was a wonderful thing.

We played for a while longer and everything stayed pretty well even. We were switching sides in the eighth inning when I saw Daddy's eyes take on that familiar, unfocused look that they often had when he was focusing on someone at a distance.

"Jacob," he said, his voice suddenly anxious.

"Yeah," Jacob answered, his voice reflecting the worry I suddenly felt.

"Quil's coming," he told him as his focus shifted back to the present. "He tracked you here. You have to go with him."

"What's going on?" Jacob demanded. "Tell me Edward."

"It's about Leah and Embry," Daddy replied, hesitating for a moment. "Sam and Seth know."