Jacob was organizing some of his more prized objects in his bedroom, always having the most useful clothing and supplies on hand in case of an emergency. Every so often he would re-categorize the important of certain things as he saw fit. There was the fear in the back of his mind that something could go terribly wrong; a legitimate fear in the world they all lived in.

He stuffed another duffle bag with winter clothing, adding it to the small collection of bags he'd already packed. He then took a black magic marker and wrote as big as he could manage: WINTER CLOTHES.

Jacob sighed and let his eyes drift out the window. His posture tensed and he quickly pushed open two of the blinds that already hung open in front of the window to get a better view.

Bella held the crossbow and aimed toward a small dirt pile in the very back of the yard by the fence. A piece of white paper laid in the middle of it, posing as a target. She fired the arrow, before smiling and glancing at Edward who seemed to be laughing as he ran to retrieve the arrow from where it landed to the left of the paper. It made him want to jump out the window when he went on to show Bella how to aim the weapon with more precision. His arms were around her and he spoke into her ear.

Jacob closed the blinds shut and huffed, sulking in the darkened room for a moment before deciding to jump in and ruin Edward's attempts to get close to his friend and love interest.

He must think he's so smooth, Jacob thought angrily. He whipped open the door to his bedroom, before marching down the hall, through the living room and out the back door.

"Hey Jake," Quil greeted with a smile, but sensed his friend was on a mission when he passed by in a soldier-like march without saying a word back.

A few of the other boys gathered around Quil, whispering and smirking as they watched what was about to unfold.

"Bella." Jacob managed a full smile, hiding his jealously with everything he had. "What's going on?"

She turned and smiled back. "Hey Jake." She looked at Edward for a moment a grinned, still clutching the crossbow, "I'm just... learning how to be badass." Her voice was satirical and half-sarcastic, though he could see she was enjoying herself.

"I can see that." He continued his grin, and then glanced at Edward momentarily. "How long you been shooting this thing, Edward?"

"Oh, we've been out here for what, fifteen minutes?" he looked at Bella.

"No," Jacob clarified, "I mean how much experience do you have with the bow?"

Edward knew where the conversation was going. Jacob was sizing him up; trying to claim his territory. As much as he didn't want to go down that road, he felt the competition rise in his chest.

"Since things went south," he admitted, "Carlisle, Emmett and I have been using this as our primary way to kill deer."

"Our deer," Jacob said, emphasizing the first word.

"Well-" Edward began, but his younger counterpart cut him off.

"And technically that's our bow. You took it from the store on the reservation."

"The store was ransacked, Jacob," Edward said, raising his voice so he could finish a sentence without being cut off, "And your father, Sam and all of us made a deal."

"Only because of Emily."

"Jacob-"

"Guys..." Bella stepped in, eyeing both of them and positioning herself slightly in between them. "What's with the 'you' and 'us' thing? Aren't we all... together? I mean, we have to fight these walker, zombie things together."

"That's how I see it," Edward claimed. He knew his siding with Bella would leave Jacob in a type of checkmate.

"Right..." Jacob said, reluctance flowing in his voice, "We are. It's just... Sam, my father, me... we were all nice enough to allow you to keep that."

"And we've been nothing but thankful."

Bella's eyes shifted between the two young men in front of her. She could see the tension, and had a guess as to what it was about.

"Why don't I keep it?" she joked, trying to lighten the mood with a smile, "I mean, I'm like Switzerland, right?"

Edward looked over at her and felt some of the tension in arms and legs begin to fade. A smile spread across his face and he snickered. "I think that would be a safe bet." He glanced over his shoulder toward the sheet of paper that had yet to be pierced by an arrow. "We should probably keep practicing though."

Bella smiled and shrugged, "Yeah, I guess if I'm protecting us I should be able to hit my target."

He nodded, still grinning.

Jacob's scowl loomed over them, and he tried to unclench his jaw as he spoke with Bella.

"I've been using a bow for years," he informed her, "If you'd ever like some real help you know where to find me."

"I'll take input from both of you... or Emmett, or Sam or anyone else who wants to help."

Edward decided to take the high road. He continued to smile and then looked at Bella. "Maybe it would be best if Jacob was the one to teach you. He does have more experience than I do, so it'll only be beneficial."

Jacob's eyes widened and shock began to pull at his facial features.

Bella tried to hide her slight disappointment, despite not at all minding keeping company with Jacob. Something about spending time with Edward made her feel excited and alive.

"Sure." She kept her voice nonchalant, not wanting to offend her old friend or let Edward in on the disappointment he caused her in his absence. "I'll, uh, let you know when I hit the 'badass' status."

Edward chuckled. "Okay. I'll be by the fire with Rosalie and Emmett. I'll wait to hear your cheering."

Bella smirked and let a light laugh leave her mouth.

Jacob greenly eyed their interaction, and felt some of his jealousy fade as Edward strolled away.

Bella watched him go, but almost immediately turned her attention to Jacob. "Okay," she said, "I'm yours. Let's continue with the crossbow lesson."

"You mean badass lesson." He smiled wide.

She laughed lightly again, "Yeah, Jake. Turn me into a badass."

Edward wandered over to where his friends were sitting closely by the fire, each with a portioned plate of food.

Rosalie sat snugly against Emmett, who kept her as closely against him as possible.

"So," Emmett said with a boyish grin, "Bella."

Rosalie giggled and Edward looked over his shoulder to make sure no one, particularly Charlie, was in the vicinity of their conversation.

"Yeah... Bella." He shrugged.

"It looks like Jake just stole your thunder."

"He's got more experience with the crossbow."

"So, you're just going to throw in the towel that quickly?" Emmett asked, shaking his head. He made a face, "Lame, bro."

Edward laughed and looked over toward the back of the yard.

"She's looking over here every few seconds," Emmett added, "So you're aware."

"Yeah..." He took a deep breath as the word left his mouth.

Rosalie looked at Emmett and pouted her lips. He eagerly leaned in and gave her a short series of kisses.

"Get a room," Edward teased, shaking his head as he picked up a stick to poke the fire.

"Would if we could," Emmett told him, drawing a playful punch from Rosalie.

"Carlisle!" Sam's anxious voice drew everyone's eyes in his direction by the back door.

Billy was the first to respond, wheeling himself in Sam's direction, "What is it, Sam?"

Carlisle raced from where he stood casually with Esme and a few of the tribe members to meet the two of them.

"Emily," Sam said, "She's in a lot of pain. I think... I think this might be it."

"What?" Billy asked, responding in Carlisle's place.

"She's going into labor."