MY HOME IS WHERE MY HEART IS ...

Forks

Rain was beating against my window, relentlessly. And that would be the annoying sound I was so privileged to wake up to today. However, had I known exactly what the day would bring I may have decided to just stay asleep. Sleeping was finally becoming enjoyable for me again. The nightmares, for the most part, were at a standstill. Feeling Jacob holding me at night brought great relief. I loved falling asleep, soaking up all one hundred and nine degrees of his warmth. It felt oh-so-much better than that cold granite that was Edwards vampire skin.

Occasionally, a nightmare would slip in; the one that occurred most was me running through what I could only assume was Forks. It was all tress, green everywhere. It was overwhelming and I was lost amongst the trees, while darkness would gradually consume the sunny sky that I had previously been enjoying. And even as a searched for an exit, I knew I wouldn't find one. Then, she would step through the trees; Victoria. In my dreams her hair was a glowing, vibrant, red that reminded me of blood. It was the only thing that really stood out in the darkness of the forest, besides her ice cold, hard, pale skin. She'd hiss and it was the same sound Edward would make whenever he was threatening someone. It ran chills through me; it was so animalistic and frightening. I would scream and no sound would come out. If I were lucky Jacob, my prince, would step through the trees, blocking her from me. However, on bad nights I would search for Jacob and he would never come.

Even with that nightmare occasionally plaguing my dreams, I was no longer afraid to go to sleep. And I loved waking up even more because my reality was far better than anything I could ever imagine. Let's face it, I'm not that creative. But even though I was sure I couldn't dream up Jacob and the wonderful life we were starting together, I couldn't help but fear that I did make it up and he would disappear. Speaking of my dream come true, why wasn't he in the bed with me when I woke up? I frowned uncontrollably, disappointed. I loved waking up to him. Where was he?

I found him in the kitchen, talking in hushed tones into the phone. It made me not exactly suspicious, but more than a little curious. It was an old reflex left over from having dated Edward; I automatically thought he was keeping something from me, because Edward could never really find it in himself to be completely honest with me. 'Protecting me' was what he called it and I was certain that was just so that he could make himself feel better about being an ass.

I waited patiently in the doorway for his conversation to come to an end. Jacob put the phone back on its recover before turning to face me. He turned around quickly, but was not at all surprised to see me there.

"How did you know I was here?" I asked, smiling, forgetting my curiosity for just a second.

"I heard you approach" he pointed to himself, while he explained "werewolf hearing"

I snickered. The way he mentioned it casually, like he wasn't tormented about it for such a long time, was comical to me. When he had first turned, he was absolutely miserable, now he sounded proud of himself.

"Who was that on the phone?" I asked. I was getting strait to the point. Mostly, I wanted to see if he would answer me. I was testing him. He didn't answer right away. Instead, he crossed our kitchen in one stride and embraced me, lovingly. He raised me, holding me up so that my feet were no long on the ground. He kissed my whole entire face before resting his gorgeous full lips on my own. I moaned, elated.

"Trying to distract me?" I asked, breathless. Would I ever get used to the power of his lips, his embrace? He smirked "no, Bella, I'm not. I just thought we needed a proper good morning before diving head first into serious matters"

That wiped the smile off my face, quickly. Serious matters? Even his kiss couldn't get my mind to stop racing. I looked up at him, not sure if I should be frightened or not.

"What serious matters?" I asked, breathless. This time my breath was whisked away by fear, instead of Jacobs passion inducing kisses. He sighed. I knew he would tell me, then.

"It's sort of complicated" he began, "and I don't want you getting worked up after I tell you" he said, warningly.

"I promise!" I said quickly, impatient. He hesitated for just a moment and I rolled my eyes, willing him to just hurry up so I could properly freak out.

"Well, it would seem that the red headed vampire is back, running just between the treaty lines and one of those vampires, the big burly one, and Paul almost got into it. Paul got a little defensive when it looked as if the big one would cross the line. And his mate, the blonde got all protective and it was pretty much a growling match until dr. fang calmed everything down. Don't worry, no one got hurt"

I imagined all of them, fighting. The people, well they were sort of people, I loved fighting with each other. I was still furious with Edward, but Emmett? He had never done anything but tease me a little. Okay, a lot. But it was all in good fun. He was like the older brother I always wanted. And I could imagine Rosalie: gorgeous as ever, radiating pure hatred. He pale beautiful face making her all the more frightening. And the wolves. Jacob swore by their strength but it was difficult to imagine next to the cold hardness of the vampires. They were still so soft. Human. And they could have been hurt and it would have been my fault because Victoria was after me. I felt sick.

Jacob grabbed me tightly, holding me upright. I was sure I was getting ready to pass out. I had left! And she was still after me, putting the people I love in danger. Charlie. What would happen if she found the house vacant of me?

"Charlie?" I asked.

"Well it would seem we are not the only ones trying to protect him." Jacob laughed, but it sounded bitter, mocking. Like the Jacob I was sure we left behind in Forks. I looked up at him, blinking in surprise and confusion.

"Your vampires seem to want to keep Charlie safe almost as much as we do" Jacob explained. Hardness covering his feature, making him look like Sam. I kissed him lightly to remind him that he was here with me, away from his werewolf commander, with his bitter arrogance. The way he said 'your vampires' irritated me but, I let it go because I didn't want to fight with Jacob. He kissed me back and I watched the bitterness evaporate from his handsome face. I wasn't entirely sure what exactly about these events was upsetting him and I didn't want to press the issue. I knew what was bothering me, though. Victoria. She wasn't going to stop until she killed me and God knows who else.

"Bella?" Jacob asked, suddenly alarmed "You're pale"

He made me sit at the kitchen table. I was okay. At least, I was going to be. I knew what was coming though and I was sort of dreading it.

"We're going back to Forks?" I asked. My voice sounded strained, I was scared and he could tell.

"yes" he sighed "the pack, they need us"

"us?"

"Steven and I" he laughed "no offense but what use would you be to the pack?" he asked, clearly teasing. His question sent my thoughts spiraling out of control, for just a second. What use would I ever be? Why was I so useless? I couldn't even protect myself. I thought of the times when I longed to be like Edward; cold, hard, eternally beautiful, and most important; indestructible. I didn't want to be a vampire anymore, but for a moment I did wish I was strong like one. I sighed.

Jacob hesitated before speaking again "Well, they need me. Steven might not be ready to go back just yet." He sighed.

(FANCY PAGE BREAK)

Talking Steven into coming back to Forks was way easier than I would have expected, considering his history. But he was all too happy at the idea of vampire killing. That stressed me out more. Every time I sighed, lost in thought, Jacob would remind me

"Stress isn't good for our son" and every time he did, I felt even guiltier. We took Stevens car, instead of my truck. I was uneasy about that but Jacob and Steven were so confident this wouldn't take any time at all and we could all go home. I had to admit, his car was nice. A 2004 Honda civic, in grey, with leather interior. It was smooth, but not too flashy like the Cullen vehicles of choice.

We didn't have much, but we packed everything. Where we would stay would be figured out later. It would be weird living under Charlie again after being on my own for so long but it looked like maybe I wouldn't have a choice. I wondered briefly if I could get Jacob to come through my window and sleep with me. I wasn't sure if I was strong enough to keep the nightmares away on my own. I felt a small twinge of sadness, remembering how Edward always spent nights with me. I tried to think of the fact that Jacob sleeping next to me would over write those memories.

Our car ride to Forks was nothing short of interesting. It begun with what Steven called 'the latest pack scandal.' We had packed into the car, Jacob in the back seat holding me, Steven in the front complaining how lonely he was. We laughed telling him that I was more important because there were two of us (the baby and I). Steven argued that my being pregnant was exactly why Jacob should stay in the front seat with him; because I had someone to keep me company. Jacob gladly punched him for that one. We all howled with laughter.

Apparently, Jacob had decided to call Billy this morning saying I had inspired him by calling Charlie the week before. Billy was the one who had filled him in on the Victoria news. But that wasn't all he got out of his father. Before diving into the 'latest scandal' Jacob addressed me

"Try not to pass judgment, Bella" he sighed, like he already knew I would anyway "Remember Quil?" he asked. But he didn't pause long enough for me to say yes.

"Well, he imprinted" I didn't understand why that was any kind of scandal. But I kept quiet; Jacob had warned me not to guess because I wouldn't even be close to correct. "Quil changed into a werewolf recently so he has just begun to hang around Emily's house. That's Sam's imprint. Anyway, Quill imprinted on her niece and she's a bit upset because well, it's a bit early."

"What do you mean early?" Jacob, narrowed his eyes, waiting for my reaction "Emily's niece, Claire, is two ..." he trailed off.

"But she's just a baby!" was the only protest I could manage to get out. Jacob took a while to reply, smirking along with Steven. I guessed they were both trying to keep from laughing "he's not getting any older, he will just have to sit and wait for a few decades" Jacob shrugged like this was at all normal.

I was horrified. Really? A two year old. Gross.

"I can see the judgments on your face, Bella" Jacob said, but he didn't sound the least bit irritated. He sounded amused

"It really isn't like that, Bella" Steven interjected our conversation "it isn't romantic for him. Not now. It's difficult to describe but it is kind of like gravity moves for the person you've imprinted with. When you've imprinted, nothing in this world matters more than her. You'd do anything, be anything ..." Steven trailed off, looking thoughtful. I was sure he was thinking of Elana. Jacob continued, probably to keep the attention off of his heartbroken cousin. I tore my eyes away from Steven, feeling bad for him.

"Quil will be the kindest older brother that girl could imagine. He'll look after her and be there when she needs him. When she's older no one will be more understanding or have more of her trust. And when she's grown up they'll be as happy as Sam and Emily, You and I." he winked at me when he said that. Causing Steven to roll his eyes and tell us to get a room.

"Doesn't she have a say in this?" I asked. "Yes, Bella, of course. But why wouldn't she choose him in the end? He will be her perfect match. Like he was designed just for her."

I thought of Jacob and how he did seem just about perfect for me. It was obvious that this is where my life should have led me and I was ecstatic. Of course she would choose Quil. Who could resist that type of adoration? I snuggled up to Jacob, falling asleep while the car rolled on smoothly, heading to Forks.

A/N: Okay its been forever. I am SO tryna update sooner. but im in college and its hard to find time. Reviews would be appreciated. and F.Y.I in upcoming chapters there is a fight, of course. The Cullens return. and What? Edward wont go away and Steven is not too happy about that. Okay i love you guys, bye. review ?