Chapter 36: Back in Forks

Jacob's POV

I could feel the awareness of morning slipping back into my head. I was dimly aware of the rumblings of the coming thunderstorm as the leaves rustled softly. I wasn't concerned about the cocoon of warmth that surrounded me as I burrowed myself back into the softness supporting and surrounding me. I was, however, aware of eyes that were burning into my sleeping form. And I was willing to bet that they were a butterscotch colour.

If the warmth that was enveloping me any indication, he wasn't on the bed. And that was somehow, unacceptable. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long before the edge of the covers were being drawn back and a cold body slipped in.

Without opening my eyes, I tangled my feet with cold limbs and pulled him in, wrapping my arms around his middle. Almost reflexively, I arched my hips. Greeting him with my morning erection.

When the hard body lying next to me stiffened, I cracked open an eye. Pupils that were blown so far wide were watching me as he worried his lower lip.

"Not Chicago," he whispered.

Huh?

"Everyone is home," he said softly and squeezed his eyes shut.

" You don't have to stop on our account," yelled Emmett as his voice floated up. A smack resonated through the floors and I heard him defending himself, " What? It's not like they were modest last night!"

Oh.

My jaw fell open as I stared at Edward. His eyes were still closed.

"They heard us?" I asked him mentally, not trusting my voice. Or trusting myself to speak to Edward about anything that was sex related. My face burnt with embarrassment as I though of Edward's mother and father hearing us getting each other off last night. I hadn't even met them properly and they were already aware of what kind of a horn-dog I really was.

Fuck my life.

Edward chuckled next to me. Snapping my eyes opened, I glared at him before elbowing the nearest part of his body.

"What?" he yelped as he rubbed his 'sore' marble of a thigh, " You think any of them are better? I've spent a century trying to find ways to block their sex life from my ears."

"Well, then it's only fair, isn't it?" I asked as I turned back to press my front against the closest part of his body.

"Not now, boys," called Esme, her sweet voice rising up like the chime of bell, " breakfast is ready."

I groaned internally and flopped back onto my back.

"We better get started with our morning routine," said Edward as he slid out of the covers, and stood by the bed; looking at me, " Esme has been cooking since this morning."

Embarrassment flooded over me and I was sure it washed over the bond as well, " You think I can sit at the breakfast table with them now? After you've shamelessly molested me last night?" I thought at him as I pulled the covers up and curled in onto myself.

"I don't remember you protesting," said my infuriating imprint and I groaned. " Either way, you can't get out of bed, just yet. Carlisle has yet to say that it's okay."

"But, Ed, I can't stay in bed all day. I'm gonna go mad."

" Really? Why's that?" he asked, cocking an eyebrow at me.

" I've never spent the whole day in bed. Ever. Mom would never let me. She always said 'Start early and raise the bar throughout the day,*' and then after, she passed away, I always had to fend for myself."

"Well, you don't have to fend for yourself anymore, Jake. Let me take care of you," said Edward softly as he leaned down to hover over my face; his cold breath warming my core. "Besides, you can't get up until Carlisle says so."

Esme's distinctive smell wafted through the house as she approached the room. The burn from the smell of another vampire who wasn't my imprint had lessened considerably. I found myself able to overlook it, more and more. I suppose the week (more or less) where I had been unconscious had allowed my olfactory system to get used to the acrid smell. I was able to make a small distinction between each Cullen now. For example, Esme smelled of jasmine. A smell that reached my nose at the same time as the knock came on the door.

Suddenly, I was very aware of the crusty cum in my pajama bottoms. I shifted my hips awkwardly as I pulled myself up, with Edward's help and sat up.

I could feel the heat radiating from my cheeks as Esme entered the room, with Edward's permission.

"Good morning, Jacob," she greeted me lightly, a warm smile gracing her features as she carried the laden tray towards the bed.

"Morning," I replied as softly as I gazed into her features. Warm and soft. The only thing that reminded me of her vampirism was her scent.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, as she lowered herself gingerly next to me on the bed.

"I'm fine. Little sore, but I've had worse," I replied with a smile. Edward's annoyance pushed through the bond, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw him roll his eyes.

"Thank you for letting me crash here," I added, ignoring the antics of my mate.

"Jacob, you're part of this family now. You have every right to be here. You're Edward's mate and by extension a son to Carlisle and I. We wouldn't have it any other way."

"Thank you," I said again, hoping my emotions won't betray and run down my cheeks like they were threatening to.

"Don't mention it," she replied, getting up and looking down at me, " And don't let my other children push your buttons," she added with a small smile before bending down and placing a soft kiss on my forehead.

I felt myself blush, in spite of myself. A warmth that I hadn't felt in years enveloped my body as I watched the pretty vampire make her way out of Edward's room.

" I don't know if I should be jealous or happy that you love my mother so much," grumbled a pouty bronzed hair vampire as he flopped back to the bed, in mock despair.

"You should be worried," I corrected after taking a moment to peruse the food laden tray and picked at my omelette, " This food is scrumptious; even more note worthy considering it was made by someone who doesn't eat human food," after I had swallowed a healthy bite.

"You're lucky you're injured, Black," replied my mate with a 'dark' look.

I smirked at him before turning back to my breakfast.

Nine days later:

Nine days later, I was still in the Cullen household. Although, I was now, much better that even Edward, allowed me to walk around their property ( always supervised of course). My bandages were gone. The tight pressure of the bandages gone as they held my torso together and aided in fusing my ribs together. My T and inverted Y bandages had long been gone, after a careful examination by Dr. Cullen. There were no more bruising or swelling. My nose finally, looked like the one I had months ago. Although, a small dent could still be felt along my nose bridge. Edward insisted that it was very slight and it gave my face more character.

I would roll my eyes at his insistence, but I was pleased that my imprint still felt the same way about me. Edward seemed to have developed a strange fixation with my nose. Ever since my bandages came off. I would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night with his fingers trailing down the bridge of my nose, with him fingering the dent. His kisses always started and ended there.

Although, he still bugged me about sharing my memories of the time I had spent locked by James. The answer had always been ( and will always be) no.

I had no intention of reliving the events again. Or putting him through the misery of watching me suffer and hearing James's taunts.

I was learning to put this whole debacle behind me. Slowly but surely.

Life was progressing at the same pace since I've been back to Forks. Progress was made in my old and new relationships. With my family- both old and new.

My relationship with my father was getting better. And while the awkwardness still lingered in the background, everytime he would come visit, although we now had a better understanding of each other. His relationship with Edward was getting better too. He had, yet, to call him Edward, but their mutual respect was something I didn't take lightly.

Atleast they could stand being in the same room. And making small conversation. Definitely an improvement. While there was still a long way to go with my father, Edward seemed to have made real progress with the women of my family. My sister (who I was getting reacquainted with) would have a light blush on her face everytime, she was in the company of my new family. And Sarah, seemed to be in love with my mate. She had no inhibitions about climbing in his lap, patting his cheek or playing hairdresser with his hair. She would follow him around, like a lovesick puppy.

Along with Sarah came Seth, who my father was happy to report had imprinted on his granddaughter. The imprint had happened the very first day Sarah had came back, but because of everything that happened with me, they had kept it a secret. Even from Edward. While his feelings were not of full-fledge love yet (Edward had checked), they were more of adoration and protectiveness. Being a child at heart, Seth had no problems being Sarah's playmate and friend. Surprisingly, he had no issues ( jealousy or possessiveness) that got in the way of Sarah's and Edward's relationship. Edward always claimed that it was because Seth knew how devoted he was was to me. That made the interactions easier.

The imprint, therefore, also meant that everytime the Blacks visited, Seth Clearwater would tag along. It was a real pleasure to have him back in my life. Seth had always been the younger brother I never had and I couldn't have chosen a better mate for my niece, myself. And since every silver lining has a cloud, ours came in the form of Leah Clearwater, Seth's older sister and Sam's former girlfriend, whom he had dumped when he had imprinted on their cousin, Emily.

Leah was bitter and crabby. She would grumble and mutter curses under her breath; knowing fully well that everyone could hear her with their sensitive hearing. She loathed having her brother coming to our home, and would follow him everytime, despite my assurances that Seth was under no threat from the Cullens.

The pack, however, had yet to change their minds. My father, who was the Chief of the tribe had been trying to get the council to consent on Edward being able to cross the border onto the reservation. He knew that my visits to the Reservation would be limited if Edward couldn't accompany me. And after much effort, he had managed to persuade the elders to grant me an audience with them. Edward was to accompany me. I had made it perfectly clear and so, the pack was going to be greeting us at the border before we could pass.

I closed my eyes as I tried to breathe in and out to calm myself down. I didn't want anyone in my new family to worry about me. And truth be told, it was so hard for me to get used to having not only Edward read me like a book ( both emotionally and mentally) but to add Jasper to the mix made me a little uncomfortable. I had gotten used to sharing my life with Edward. Every aspect of it. And while I liked Jasper, he was not my imprint.

Right now, I was sitting with Esme, Emmett, Carlisle and Rosalie as we waited for the rest of the Cullens to get back from their hunting trip. After a video game with Emmett, while Rosalie looked on, Carlisle and Esme had joined us in the living. Out of the corner of my eye, I glanced at Carlisle and Esme who were curled together on the love seat as they took in the movie on a t.v. that must have cost a fortune. Rosalie was sitting on Emmett's lap on the single sofa while I took the longer one.

I was comfortable with them. The Cullens. In Emmett, I had found a kindred soul. We got along famously. Big and brash, he reminded me of my brothers. Always up for a prank or some fun, I found myself very compatible with him. His mate, on the other hand, was always mistrustful of me. I had receive threats of death, where she had promised to rip my balls off to hang in her shiny red convertible if I hurt her brother, the first time we spoke. Apparently, Edward and her were close. The taunts of being a mutt, and a filthy dog rolled off her tongue every chance she got. Edward assured me she meant well. I assume he was right because although the sarcasm and the taunts kept coming, she no longer sneered or gagged when I entered the room. Her sarcasm and 'teasing' were met. Tit for tat. Unlike Edward, I knew why her insults had no bite anymore. The first day I had been able to stand up and walk around. The Cullens had been out an about. Jasper and Edward had been doing some light hunting, in the area while Rosalie had been left home to 'watch' me, and of course, she had disappeared as soon as Edward was out of hearing range; leaving me on my own. And after days in bed, I spent my time wandering the halls of the Cullen mansion, exploring the home of my imprint. I had ended up in their garage at some point, where I stood in awe at the variety of cars. Different in shapes, colours, sizes and costs, I'm sure. Suddenly, a grim faced Rosalie came from under the body of a blue Aston Martin and glared at me. Truth be told, I wasn't sure how and why we started talking but we ended up with me telling her about James's need to claim me and taint me because I was Edward's mate. The turning point of my relationship with Rosalie Cullen had been the hitch in her unconscious breaths. I rushed to reassure her that he hadn't in fact touched me in that way. But, we had bonded over rape. She had been beaten, raped and left for dead apparently before Carlisle found her. I couldn't imagine the thought of living years and years on end with the anger and hate of knowing you've been taken advantage like that. My respect and understanding-although I would never tell her that-shot up. I did, however, manage to get a promise from her that she wouldn't talk or think about it when in Edward's presence. I didn't want him to be upset, and beat himself over the fact that he hadn't protected me. And neither did she, apparently.

Alice was the 'Seth' of this family. That's how I had come to label her. Small, but packaged with enough energy to drain all of us. I had been aware of her shopping obsession, and the need she had to dress everyone up like a doll. A need she, now, extended to me as well. Edward had made me reach a pact with him, where if he needed saving from Alice, I would put my foot down and play the 'mate/imprint' card. Something he hadn't been able to do before and had to put up with his sister's addiction for a century. Of course, he would extend the same courtesy to me. Because, I've seen some of the things that girl called fashion and it was outlandish. I mean, just because I was in a relationship with a man doesn't mean I would start wearing silk shirts and wear fedoras. That was just not me. Jasper, on the other hand, was calm and collected. Once I got past the multiple bite wounds that marred his body-everywhere-we got along very well, indeed. He was no Emmett. He was more quiet and reserved. Observant-something he picked up from being in the U.S. forces. He told me about his adventures as a soldier. And a newborn. The torture and the deaths he's seen. All in all, it made sense to me why he was so aware of his surrounding. Always vigilant. Always on alert.

Esme was the mother I had missed so much since Becca's departure from Forks. Warm. Open. Motherly. Caring. Carlisle, was like an uncle to me. Like my father's brother, even though he looked so young. He had welcomed me with open arms into his family. There was nothing more I could've asked for. Except maybe for the acceptance of my pack. But, Sam and his lackeys were being ridiculous.

A wintry pine smell wafted through the air, and I straightened myself. Edward, Alice and Jasper were back from their hunting trip.

Indeed, a few moments later, I was being swept into a one arm hug and a cold ( but heart warming) kiss as my imprint lowered himself next to me on the couch. Warm butterscotch eyes watched me as Edward grinned at me.

Idiot.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked telepathically.

He smirked at me, but said nothing as he settled down, laying his head on my lap to watch the end of the movie with us. Frowning slight at the mysterious look he had given, I stared at the lap of bronze hair I had. Since his emotions weren't panic-inducing or worrisome, I let it slide and focused on my movies instead.

Twenty minutes later, my lap vibrated with what sounded like the purring of a cat. Glancing down at Edward, I saw the vampire's eyes closed, a small smile on his lips. Looking up at his family, I noticed everyone's eyes on us.

"Don't stop," murmured Edward and my eyes snapped back to his blissed out face.

"Stop what?" I asked softly as I looked at him; confusion swirling inside me.

"Your hand," he whispered and I glanced down at my hands. One of them rested on his shoulder and the other was tangled in his hair. I guess I had been running my fingers through his hair, unconsciously. My fingers automatically tightened in the bronze locks and I felt lust shoot through my body, like a lightening bolt.

I felt myself harden underneath his head and I knew he felt my cock twitch. The weight of everyone's eyes dropped on me and I shifted uncomfortably. In spite of myself, I looked up to see Emmett's knowing grin, Rosalie's smirk, Alice's sweet smile, Jasper's dilated pupils as he met my eyes knowingly, Carlisle and Esme gave me an indulgent smile and I felt myself flush.

Edward's need and lust pushed through my body and I griped his shoulder in a tight grip. "Please, don't..." I pleaded in his head. " Not infront of your family."

Despite my pleadings, Edward snapped up on his feet and picked me up-bridal style, like I weighed nothing-"Excuse us, everybody," he said. From across the room, Emmett gave me his shit-eating grin before allowing his eyes to roll back into his head in seeming pleasure as he grunted in a very explicit way.

"Eff-you," I said before pressing my forehead against Edward's temple.

"Should I be concerned that you don't want to have sex in the house we're currently living in?" asked Edward as he deposited me in the clearing where we had played baseball together a few months ago.

"It's weird," I defended myself, " they can hear us... It's a little voyeur-ish, don't you think?"

"They have sensitive hearing," he countered, "we all do."

" I know. Look the teasing is fine; I can take it. But, them hearing us doing it is a bit of a mood killer. Even if I'm going to be quiet, I'll know that your mother and your father are right downstairs listening to you sucking me off or fucking me. It's uncomfortable."

" Is that the only reason? Because Jacob, I'd rather you tell me right now...If we're going to live with each other..."

"Wait...live with each other?"

" Well, yes, You didn't think otherwise, did you?"

"Fuck yes. Edward, I need to move back on the reservation. I can't just live with you in your parents house."

"It's our house. Not just theirs. Besides, how did you think I would let you go back to the Rez after this. What if they don't let you come back to me? Or let me cross the border?"

" Edward," I cried; taking a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, " I'm only staying in your parent's house because I'm sick and I couldn't be moved. Don't get me wrong, they're great and I like them a lot. But, that's not my home. The Rez is. I need to go back to my house. Atleast until after you've asked me to move in."

" Ask you?" he asked, incredulous.

" Yes. Fucking. Ask. Me," I growled, " don't assume that because I'm your mate I will move in with you. Ask to move in with you, and then we'll go from there."

Confusion and anger pushed through me from his end of the bond.

" We'll go from there?" he asked; grinding his teeth.

" You know I'll say yes. But, I'm not yours to command. We are in an equal relationship. Just because I take it up the ass, doesn't mean I will let you make my decisions for me."

"We both take it up..." he said, confused.

" Fuck, Edward. You know what I mean. Just because I let you fuck me sometimes doesn't make me less of a man. I need you to include me these major decisions and I need you to take my opinion seriously. I'm not Bella and I won't let you treat me like you treated her."

" Like I treated her?" he asked; his jaw sagging a little.

"Look, this is not the 1900s anymore. You can't make the decisions because you think you're the man of the house. I won't...I won't be..one of those submissive trophy wives. And if that's what you want, then maybe you shouldn't be with me."

" What. What are you saying, Jake?" he breathed out.

"I love you, Edward. But, if you can't respect who I am, and who I want to be in our relationship, then maybe we shouldn't be together."

"But, we're soulmates," he said softly as wide amber eyes met mine. The pain that shone in those eyes and that crashed over me was too much. It hurt to hurt him. Before I could stop myself, I reached out and pulled him in my arms. Wrapping him in a hug, I wished that things were simple. That life was simpler.

I had finally, found the person who was meant for me; who loved and cherished me; who was my forever. Why were we having a hard time to make this work? Why were we fighting?

" That's what we do best," he said, his voice muffled against my skin. I rested my chin on the top of his head and he pressed a soft kiss against my throat. "Fight," he added and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're my forever, Edward Cullen," I whispered into the night, as I tightened my hold on my imprint.

"Then, give me another chance, Jake," he pleaded as he lifted his head from my throat and met my eyes. Determination rose through him and love. " I grew up in a different era that you did. My ideals are different from yours. My way of doing things are different. There's more than one generational gap between us. Please let me build the bridge that will bring us closer. I can do better. I promise."

" I know, you will, babe," I whispered, leaning down to place a chaste kiss on his lips, " I just need you to understand that I'm an equal in this relationship and we are one. I don't want to lose you, Ed. I don't. I can't stand being without you. Me moving on the reservation is temporary. Until we're ready to have our own place. I will move back on the reservation when I know for a fact that you will be allowed to cross the border. Not a minute before. In fact, I have a meeting with the council tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah, dad called after you had left. The elders have agreed to let me present my case."

" I'm coming with you," he stated, in a voice that left no room for argument.

" As I imagined you'd want to," I replied with a smile, " the pack will be meeting us at the border. To escort us." It pained me to go back to the place I was born and be treated like they would a thief. I was being treated like a criminal for being with the man I was destined to be with.

"But, before I do that, I need to speak to Bella. I need to apologize. Alone."

" No. Absolutely not. You can't go alone."

" You can drop me there, but I will speak to my best friend alone. I'm at no risk in the Chief of Police's home."

Edward sighed, " I'm not happy about this."

"Course, you aren't. You control freak," I replied, a smile tugging the corners of my lips. I knew I had won this argument. Edward's resignation told me so.

Author's Note:

Hello everyone,

First of all, sorry for the delay of this chapter. I've had it written for a while but since I've been having major writer's block for Chapter 45+( yeah, it's getting that long), I decided not to post this one till I got past my writer's block as a way to motivate me to actually sit down and Write!

Longer chapter than the last one...but still not full of action. However, you do get a better insight in Jacob's head about his families. And what's happening in the periphery of the Jacob/Edward story line. Things pick up as from the next chapter. A few people have asked for a Bella POV and it's in the next chapter. As is the famous apology.

As per usual, I'll remind you to log in with your FF account ( or have your PM enabled) if you want a sneak peek when you review. Please review and let me know what you feel is good/bad about the details you've received. I'd also love to see what you think might happen in the future. Those are always fun reviews.

Until the next time,

Lisa