AN: thanks for the reviews and thanks to bluebaby for betaing this chapter. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter and be ready for the next one!

36. Part 3

Me and Jacob were comfortably snuggling in the back of the truck. We fit into the sleeping bag and it was amazing how warm and safe I felt out there.

"So..." Jacob said while caressing my back. "What did you and Paul talk about this afternoon?"

I recalled our conversation and told Jacob. "I think that we need to talk with him and the other young wolves. It seems that keeping the secret hidden from everyone kind of prevents them from developing any deep relationship."

Jacob sighed. "I know Bells, but they can't really go out and when they start dating a complete stranger tell her everything. I mean they need to be able to trust this girl. Besides if they imprint what would stop the hurt girl to revel the secret? And why would any girl want to date a guy who had a ticking bomb in his brain?"

"You think that I was crazy then to accept being with you before realizing that you weren't going to imprint." I replied.

Jacob remained silent for a moment. "I see your point Bells, but you were already so deep into the supernatural, you were dating a le-vampire."

I looked into Jacob's eyes. "So if Edward had been a human guy and you turned into a werewolf you wouldn't have told me anything about it?"

"It's complicated. Sam had forbidden me to tell you but he didn't know that you already knew. I just had to give you some clues and you were smart enough to work it out. If I hadn't spilled the beans about the Cold Ones, then you would have been totally unprepared to accept me as a werewolf." He answered.

I considered his point and I agreed. "I probably would have needed some time to work things out in my brain, but I could never imagine not wanting you in my life."

Jacob held me close. "Me neither, I would have found a way for you to know. I also would have fought the imprint and believe me, the Spirits would know how stubborn I could be."

I laughed softly. "I think they might have an idea. You're even more stubborn than I am."

"Too true my munchkin." He chuckled.

"About Paul though, I think he's trying to find a way to connect to me but the fact that I'm a girl and not one of the brothers is a hindrance. He sleeps with girls not talks to them." I said.

"That's true; sometimes I wish I didn't have to see in his mind. But you're right, something needs to be done. If the guys don't imprint they can't be alone for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately I don't have any ideas, what about you?" He asked.

"I think we need to know more about imprinting. We could ask the Elders about it. Old Quil is the 'story teller' along with your father. They might know more and when we figure out if there's a way to switch it off, avoid it or finding out if they will or won't, then we find a contingency plan. Let's say we know that Paul won't imprint, we let him date a girl and after a reasonable time if she sticks with him then we let her in on the secret. We'll be studying her and Paul's opinion will matter as well." I said thinking it through and seeing that it could work.

"There's a slight problem with that; we'll have to have martial law about the secret." Jacob stated.

"You mean...? You'll kill her if she talks about it?" I asked stunned by his words.

"Bells, I'm the Alpha and Chief of my tribe and they rank high in my priorities. I can't afford to have the secret revealed. If I have to act like the Volturi on this one, then I will. I know it's awful and I don't like the idea more than you do but that's the deal. I'm sure the guys will think it through really seriously before asking to let a girl in on the secret. It'll be her life that will be put on the line." He replied seriously.

I shuddered for a moment; never would I have imagined my sweet mate to be as ruthless as Aro. But I saw his point. "I'll support you. I want to have free rein on 'educating' the guys about how to treat girls though. They need to learn a thing or two if they want to date seriously."

Jacob chuckled. "Feel free to do as you wish Bells; I just want to be there when you tell them. It's going to be fun."

I smiled. "You can feel free to join the group."

"Me? Nahhh I got the girl and I must say I'm way too charming for my own good." He joked.

I grinned. "Really? How charming do you think you are?"

He gave me a quick kiss on my lips. "I think I'm so charming that you won't be able to turn me down tonight." I was going to reply but his mouth was on mine again and I had to agree that he was exactly that charming.

I woke up when the sun set. Jacob was snoring next to me and I looked at him with all the love I felt. I caressed his hair and he sighed in his sleep, but didn't even stir. "My Jacob." I whispered.

"You do love him very much, don't you?" A gruff voice startled me.

I was met with the dark serious eyes of Paul. "Yes, sometimes I'm not sure if the others can see how much he means to me. I'm not sure he can either."

Paul smiled at me. "I think it's been pretty obvious lately that your relationship is more balanced, feeling-wise I mean. You can still order him around like a besotted puppy though."

I smiled back. "Besotted puppy? I would like to see you tell him that."

He laughed. "I did it once and almost lost my tail and a big chunk of my shoulder."

"Paul, regarding what we talked yesterday... I'll find a way to sort out a few of yours and the other not-imprinted wolves problems." I said reassuringly.

He nodded. "I know you will, Alpha girl. Now before you turn me into a besotted puppy as well, could you prepare some breakfast? I'm starving."

Jacob opened his eyes. "Did I hear the word breakfast?"

Paul chuckled. "It figures that it would be the only word that stuck in your brain bro. Now tell your woman to get out of that sleeping-bag and feed the kids."

Jacob blinked and he watched him for a bit and then he grinned at him. He turned and said, "Bells, could you please prepare one of your fantastic breakfasts for the love of your life and his friends?"

I smiled back. "Sure." I got out of the bag and I heard Jacob saying to Paul. "See, just a few right nice words and the girl is yours."

I turned to glare at him. "I heard that Jacob!"

He winced and tried to look repentant but the glint in his eyes spoke volumes. "Sorry my lovely sweet Bells."

I tried to be angry with him but it was a losing battle. "I wish you meant it, munchkin." I said and saw the satisfaction of him turning pale at the thought that Paul had heard the nickname.

Paul sniggered. "Munchkin? Really manly Jacob, wait until the guys hear it... nice words or not I rather be single than have a girl call me munchkin."

I smirked and battled my eyelashes at Paul. He stopped sniggering and watched me. "Can you please find some more woods for the fire, Paulie?"

He blinked and then nodded. "Sure I'm going."

Jacob faked a chough. "Whipped."

Paul glared at him then smiled at me. "Sure beautiful Bella, anything for you."

I blushed and smiled back. Jacob glared at Paul and he shrugged his shoulders. "It's easy bro, just the right nice words and they work like magic." He winked at me and left to find me the wood.

Me and Jacob looked at each other and laughed. When a girl was going to find a way into Paul's heart he would be as lost as Jacob if not more.

I was just walking towards the bonfire when Embry and Leah get out of 'our' bungalow.

"Hey, how are you two?" I asked a bit timidly.

Leah smiled and let go of Embry. She walked to where I was and hugged me. "Thank you Bella, I think I really needed to spit it all out of my system. I'm feeling much better now, there's a long way to go but I finally see a light in the dark."

Embry smiled and nodded at me and Jacob too. "Thanks Jake for your words, I think they finally got through her thick skull."

Leah laughed and went to hug Embry, he opened his arms and she snuggled into him. They looked like two people in love and I was extremely happy.

We arrived at the bonfire and Emily was already there with Kim cooking. Emily looked up and saw Leah. She gave her a tentative smile. "Leah, here you are, I was wondering if you could cook your special bacon with a surprise. I missed it."

Leah took a deep breath and smiled back. "Sure, I can teach you how to do it."

Emily, Leah, Kim and I worked some more to have everything ready. When it was time we called everyone.

As Sam approached, I watched him attentively. He seemed tense but resolute. "Leah?" when she looked at him, he went on, "I want to apologize to you. I'm sorry I went behind your back. Embry was right I should have broken up with you before starting something with Emily. My only excuse was that imprinting hit me hard and fast. I hope that eventually you'll forgive me."

Leah had watched Sam carefully, after all, she knew him well. She nodded at his words. "Not today but eventually I might just do that." He smiled at her and she smiled back.

Then the young wolves arrived and the breakfast started, there is no need to say that it was a messy affair.

After breakfast we talked about the patrol time and the importance of sticking together. Everyone agreed and we said our goodbyes.

I was happy on the way back; we finally started to mend the pack. All of them seemed more relaxed and they understood that the only way for working well together was communication. We reached my house and Jacob helped me carry my things inside.

He kissed me softly. "Bells, I'm going home for a bit just to check on Billy. I'll be back soon. I love you more."

I laughed. "I love you more too."

I saw him disappearing into the forest.

I was unpacking my things when the phone rang. I picked it up. "Bella? It's Sam."

"Sam? What happened?" I asked suddenly feeling apprehensive.

"It's Jacob, he's disappeared. We think someone kidnapped him; whatever the danger is, it has started." Sam replied.

I felt the phone slide down from my hand and I surrendered to darkness.