Chapter Forty-Nine Council Meetings and Swimming Adventures

Disclaimer: I am not Stephenie Meyer. I do not own Twilight. My writing is purely a hobby that lets my creativity flow.

you like my story or notice I made a mistake feel free to tell me. Thanks to those who review it helps me improve as a writer and encourages me to keep writing. Also thanks to those who have put my story on their favorites list. It makes me smile when I get a notification. Knowing that people like my story enough to favorite it makes me want to continue to write. So thank you to everyone who has reviewed or put my story on a favorites list. Thanks to anyone who has read even a chapter of my story.".."= character dialogue '...'= character thoughts. *…*=text message.

Spring Break had arrived in the state of Washington causing many students and their parents to flee the state in search of warm beaches and vacation from the rain showers. Embry sat in the kitchen of the Cullen home moping because Natalie was in Italy with her family. Renesmee walked into the kitchen not surprised to see Embry moping as he and Natalie had spent the night before over at the Cullen house. Quil was asleep on the couch having stayed up late to play video games with Emmett. Jake was sitting outside on the porch going over college acceptance letters. Seth sat beside Jake looking at the information packets he had requested on the different programs offered at the University of Washington.

Lana sat up in her bed glancing at the time surprised no one had woken her before it clicked that it was Spring Break. 'well I hope this Spring Break goes a lot better than the last one did. I hope what I taught Natalie will be helpful as she goes to visit Italy.' She stretched glancing out the window smiling at the beautiful day glad that the rain had taken a break for one day. After a few minutes she walked into her closet pulling on black one shoulder shirt and a pair of shorts before heading down the stairs into the kitchen. "Morning Embry and Renesmee. Where are Quil, Jake, and Seth?" she asked surprised not to see the other wolves in the kitchen when Esme had just set a huge plate of food down on the table.

Embry took a huge bite of the pancakes before looking at Lana still pouting "Quil is asleep on the couch, Jake is looking at his acceptance letters on the porch, and Seth is also on the porch reading over the majors and minors offered so he can decide what program he wants to be apart of. I miss Natalie." he said the last part softly almost embarrassed to say it out loud.

Lana patted his back "it will get easier as time goes on. Besides in a few months we will all be going to college together and you will get to see her everyday." She headed outside to go see Jake sitting down beside him glancing at the letters in his lap.

Jake looked up from his reading to glance at Lana he smiled softly before placing a kiss on her cheek "good morning beautiful did you sleep well?"

Lana curled up setting her head on her knees "yes I did. I was surprised that I woke up as late as I did before I remembered that we didn't have school today. So Embry told me you were reading acceptance letters have you heard anything about financial aid?"

Jake held up the letter he was reading "I'm getting some financial aid but because I slacked off the year before I met you my GPA isn't as high as it needs to be to get full scholarships. I'll have to work more hours to help cover it but at least part of it will be paid for so it won't be as hard on me and my dad."

Lana gently took the letter from his hand reading it over before mentally tallying up the costs "well according to the numbers they gave us they expect it to cost around $15,000 a year and you are getting $10,000 a year in scholarships so you just have to worry about the other $5,000. There are other aid programs that you could probably apply for so you wouldn't have to work as much. I'm just worried that you will have to work so much that you won't get enough sleep and it will affect your school performance again. At least some of your college costs are covered."

Jake took the letter back reading it again "they gave me a packet with other scholarship programs that are offered to help me out. I'll just fill them out this afternoon." He looked up at her "right now my priorities are food and spending time with my girlfriend."

Lana smiled softly glancing at him "I'll help you fill out the forms later. Right now there are amazing waffles and bacon waiting for us in the kitchen." She got up heading back inside after messing up Jake's hair giggling.

Esme looked up from her cooking hearing Lana giggle she smiled watching her youngest adopted child dance her way into the kitchen "you are in a really good mood Lana."

Lana grinned at her adopted mother before glancing at the food waiting for her on the table "I'm on vacation from school and the weather outside is really nice. It is just a wonderful day and it has only just begun."

Jake walked into the kitchen taking a seat next to Lana before looking at Esme "this food looks delicious thank you for feeding the pack Mrs. Cullen." He started to dig in to the food in front of him.

Embry "so what are we going to do on such a beautiful day? I'm waiting for Natalie to text me saying that she landed safely in Italy."

Quil walked in rubbing his eyes before taking a seat at the bar glancing at the food "thank you Mrs. Cullen for the yummy food that is before me." He glanced at Embry as he picked up his fork "missing your imprint are you?" he asked teasingly.

Lana was digging into her plate glancing up when Quil walked in before looking back at her food ignoring the conversation going on around her. Seth sat down next to Renesmee with his information packets having narrowed down his choices. Renesmee took the packets from Seth beginning to look over their pre-med program wanting to make sure it was a good program. Jake ate his food glancing between Quil and Embry hoping they weren't about to get into another argument about imprints.

Esme looked at the various children seated in her kitchen she smiled "I enjoy cooking for all of you so it is no problem. Quil it is normal for Embry to miss his imprint seeing as she is his girlfriend and I'm sure if Claire wanted more than friendship from you when she becomes old enough things will be different when she is away from you." She had been kept informed about the various imprints of the wolves by Lana.

Quil opened and shut his mouth repeatedly before just stuffing food in his mouth slightly surprised by the comment from Esme but then glanced over at Lana guessing that she had told Esme "so Lana did you talk to your mother about the imprints."

Lana glanced at him "yes I did I wanted to share the good news and inform mom about the new people that would be hanging out with us now that more of the wolves have imprinted. Now if you will excuse me I am going to go hunt." she got up taking her dishes to the sink before heading outside and into the woods running around waiting until she found a injured prey.

Embry glanced at Quil once he had finished his food "so what if I miss Natalie? She's my girlfriend and we have spent most weekends together and this is one of the first that we don't have the chance to be together. You used to complain all the time about not getting to spend time playing dance games with Claire. I'm going to go join Lana." He headed out shifting into a wolf tracking Lana's scent before running towards her wanting to roam around.

Jake continued to eat looking at the forms for the other scholarship programs he pulled the pen out of his pocket before starting to fill out the forms reading over each line before skipping the things he wasn't sure about. He looked up at Esme "do you think you could help me with some of the items on this form? It is for scholarships so I don't have to work as much to pay for college."

Esme glanced at him finishing the dishes she walked over looking at the form "let me call Carlisle. He would understand the forms better and probably be able to explain it better than I can. The forms have changed since Edward and Emmett were filling them out with me." She walked up the stairs to get her husband gently getting his attention before nodding at the stairs.

Carlisle walked into the kitchen before over to Jake he looked over Jake's shoulder at the forms before taking Embry's seat talking quietly with Jake about the different items and helping him fill out the forms.

Lana had finished drinking the blood of the dead deer. She glanced at Embry seeing him running around near here "Embry I'm surprised to see you out here in your wolf form. Did you not want to stay in the house?"

Embry looked at her walking over slowly until he reached her sitting down next to her 'I just can't sit still waiting for Natalie to call so I figured I would go for a run in this form. Besides I knew you were out here so I thought I could keep you company while Jake and your adopted dad work on paperwork for his scholarships and Seth and Renesmee look at packets for their major. I don't want to think about college yet even though I know where I am going and how it is going to be paid for.'

Lana patted his head turning her attention to the mountains staring out "Natalie will call you in a few hours. I'm sure she wishes she could be here with you. I don't blame you for wanting to go for a run there are days I just want to run around and not think about anything or anyone. I'm glad that Jake and dad are working on scholarship paperwork since I would have little to no idea how to be helpful. Renesmee and Seth already have their majors picked out as far as I am aware of but they probably want to read more about the classes required."

Embry sat by her side his head near her hip 'I wish I had met her earlier. I just feel like with how busy get during college that I won't see her that much and I won't have much time with her.' He lifted his head hearing Lana's cell phone ring.

Lana pulled her phone out of her pocket smiling at the name on the screen "hey Natalie." She paused to listen to the other girl "yeah he is beside me in wolf form which is why he isn't answering his phone. He misses you already." She glanced at Embry "if there is any possibly way you can convince your parents to come back early so you can spend more time with Embry and the rest of us we would appreciate it." She patted Embry's head staring out listening "yep we will be waiting at the airport for you when you get back no matter if it is in a few days or a few hours. Just let me know when your flight is. Have fun in Italy! Bye Natalie." she hung up before looking down at Embry "go change back to your normal self and call her. She is expecting you to call her back." She slid her phone back into her pocket before running off towards the mountains.

Back at the house Jake had finished filling out the paperwork. He got up and headed outside going to look for Lana now that the paperwork had been completed. He looked around wondering where she was since she had been gone for a while before shifting into his wolf form running through the woods. He ran around before stopping near Lana hiding as he watched her drink from a deer.

Lana looked around hearing a noise she tensed up not seeing anything before smelling the scent she associated with the pack before heading towards it. She lightly flicked Jake's nose when she finally stood in front of him "you scared me Jake. I thought I was alone after I left Embry then I heard you make a noise and I freaked out." She crossed her arms across her chest frowning at him.

Jake nuzzled her face standing up 'I'm sorry babe. I came to look for you since you have been gone for a while but I didn't know that you had left Embry so I figured he would have told you that I was coming. Forgive me please I didn't mean to scare you.'

Lana wrapped her arms around his neck rubbing her face against his fur "I forgive you sweetie. I just don't appreciate being snuck up on since normally I end up attacking the person if I don't know who it is. I don't want to accidentally attack you or do something hurtful to you. I'm glad you came out to find me though. I didn't realize how long I had been gone until you said something."

Jake set his head on her shoulder ignoring her protest as he did wanting to keep an eye out but still be touching her. He looked around listening and observing before gently blowing Lana's hair around with his breathing. 'it is really peaceful out here today but I guess most people are gone since it is spring break.'

Embry walked over to Jake back in wolf form now that he was done with his phone call to Natalie 'most people left for spring break especially after we had a ton of rain during the week. Natalie says hi and that she made it safely to Italy. She also says thank you to both of you for helping her out with homework and teaching her Italian before she left for her vacation.' he glanced around surprised that Seth, Quil, and Renesmee hadn't come out to join them.

Quil and Seth had shifted both walking over to Jake and Embry as Renesmee went after a deer feeding. Lana glanced over Jake's shoulder spotting the blur of motion that was Renesmee before closing her eyes and letting the gentle breeze wash over her. Seth jumped around keeping an eye on the woods where Renesmee had just been. Quil sighed softly taking in the peaceful scene bored with his current lack of fun things to do. Jake moved in front of Lana hearing movement before relaxing as he recognized Renesmee.

Renesmee walked over to the group after she finished hunting she giggled quietly "I swear you guys could do a photo shoot with Lana and it would look perfect. The title could be something like 'Lana and her pack of wolves.' I mean with the way you four wolves are all wrapped around her in a protective manner it is an awesome picture." she pulled out her cell phone and snapped a picture before walking over to Seth and standing next to him "so what are we going to do today on this beautiful day?"

Lana grabbed Renesmee's arm before taking off towards the house "race you guys back to the house. Whoever loses has to let Alice give them a girly makeover before we go swimming." She ran as fast as she could eventually letting go of Renesmee. She made it into the house first smiling as she headed into the living room and plopping down next to Emmett.

Emmett glanced at Lana hearing the sounds of the others running towards the house "did you come up with some sort of game?"

Lana "more of a race. I said the last one that got to the house would have to be given a makeover by Alice."

Alice perked up looking over at Lana "wait I get to give someone a makeover?"

Jake, Quil, and Embry made it through the door together glancing over at Lana glad to see they weren't the last ones in. Seth pushed the three in before walking over them and taking the spot next to Lana. Renesmee came in last shrugging not minding Alice giving her a makeover since she usually let her anyways. Lana pouted wanting one of the boys to be forced into a girly makeover.

Jake stood up brushing himself off before walking over to Alice "since it will make Lana happy I'll let Alice give me a makeover. Afterwards we can go swimming at the waterfall near where we play baseball."

Alice looked at him "well as much as I would love to give everyone a makeover I think the loser of the race was Renesmee and therefore we shall just make her a bit prettier before you guys go swimming." she took Renesmee's hand heading up the stairs.

Lana followed after Alice planning on getting changed. Jake led the other boys up to Emmett's old room to change. Renesmee sat down in the chair in front of Lana's vanity watching Alice and Lana follow her into the room. Lana walked into her closet looking at the variety of swimsuits she had available. Embry glanced at all the clothes shaking his head at the items with tags still on them. Quil grabbed a pair of red swim trunks before going into the bathroom to change. Jake looked at the various colors before grabbing a black and white checkered pair of swim trunks. Alice looked at Renesmee debating what she wanted to do keeping in mind that the girls were going swimming once she finished. She began to straighten Renesmee's curls making her hair more wavy rather than curly. Renesmee sat still watching her curls turn into beautiful waves. Lana grabbed a black with white stripes bikini before shutting her closet door and changing pulling on a pair of shorts and a tank top over her swimsuit. Alice finished up the waves and applied a layer of lip gloss and eye shadow to Renesmee's face before letting the girl disappear into Lana's closet.

Lana sat on her bed glancing at Alice "what is college like?" she asked softly as she had been thinking more and more about what her college experience was going to be like.

Alice looked at Lana sitting down in the chair Renesmee had previously occupied "college is about learning who you are and experiencing new things. It is about planning for your future but you don't have to decide right away. It is also about making new friends and opening yourself up to new experiences. It is a lot of things and it can seem scary at first but in the end most adults remember their college life fondly because some make life long friends there. I'm sure you guys will have a fun time in college and you don't need to be scared because you will have all of us to support you."

Lana nodded before looking at her doorway where Jake stood. She stood up walking over to him wrapping her arms around him before setting her head against his chest "thanks for offering to let Alice make you over. I love you babe."

Jake wrapped an arm around her glancing over at Renesmee as she walked out of the closet wearing a skimpier than normal bikini. He rolled his eyes knowing that Edward was going to throw a fit when he saw what his daughter was wearing. "Renesmee you should probably change before your dad has a heart attack and tries to kill Seth." He glanced down at Lana before picking her up making sure her legs were wrapped around his waist and that her arms were secure around his neck heading out to meet the rest of the pack.

Renesmee pouted before walking back into the closet and choosing a suit that was more appropriate and wouldn't cause her father to freak out. She glanced at Alice for approval before heading down the stairs to meet up with the rest of the pack. She looked up at Jake "is this appropriate enough for you Jake?"

Jake gave Lana a quick kiss still holding her close to him before glancing at Renesmee "yes it is now I don't have to worry about your dad coming after me or Seth for what you are wearing. Shall we head out to the waterfall now?"

Lana nuzzled his neck "yes we shall because by the time we come back it will be lunch time or later and I know you all will be hungry. Besides I'm pretty sure you wolves have something you are supposed to do this afternoon in La Push anyways at least that is what Billy said to me."

Embry looked at Jake then ran a hand over his face "that's right the council called a meeting and we have to be there this afternoon to talk about security. They told Sam who passed on the message to me before I headed up to the house last night. Great I get to spend a perfectly good afternoon listening to boring council things." He made a face before he walked out the door with Quil both racing to the waterfall wanting to start swimming before their fun was cut short.

Jake ran after the two moving Lana to his back as he ran. Seth carried Renesmee as he ran after Jake smiling as Renesmee wrapped her arms around his neck. Lana detached herself from Jake running past him as she heard Emmett's laughter from near the waterfall area. Alice worked on getting ready to go swimming as Jasper waited by her door. Esme had begun to work on making food for the group not sure how long they would swim before coming back to eat. Rosalie and Emmett were at the waterfall having heard the idea from the group and deciding to join in on the fun. Edward and Bella had come up to the waterfall. Edward was in the water while Bella sat in the grass reading a book Edward had bought for her. Carlisle was at the hospital having been called in to check on one of his patients.

Lana sat down next to Bella "are you enjoying your book?" she asked quietly glancing at the title of the book.

Jake pulled off his shirt setting it down by Lana before jumping into the water. Seth and Renesmee followed. Renesmee was quick to get into the water before her father or mother could see what she was wearing knowing that both would rather she wear a one piece than a bikini. Emmett grabbed Renesmee setting her on his shoulders as he demanded a round of chicken with the boys. Embry hoisted Quil on his shoulders walking over to Emmett and Renesmee to play along. Rosalie and Edward formed a team heading over to the match.

Bella looked up from her book "yeah it is a really good book. So why aren't you in the water with the rest of them? I mean you are dressed up for swimming yet you sit here talking to me."

Lana "I came out with the intent to go swimming but then I saw you sitting here and figured I'd join you. The boys haven't had much time to hang out and have fun and I know Emmett wants to play with Renesmee since he hasn't been able to. I'd rather just watch them have fun without worrying about including me." She smiled watching Rosalie take on Renesmee laughing quietly as Rosalie landed back in the water as Emmett used his superior strength to keep Renesmee from falling.

Quil and Embry came over and began to push against Renesmee hoping that the two of them would be able to defeat Renesmee and Emmett. Emmett laughed manically before helping Renesmee defeat the boys. Jake swam over to Lana and Bella gently grabbing onto Lana's ankle and pulling her to the water. Lana gently kicked at his hand trying not to get pulled into the water.

Bella giggled watching the two "Lana it would just be better to give in and just go in the water. Jake is not likely to give up until you give in. Besides you should have some fun while you can."

Lana got her ankle away from Jake before standing up and pulling off her shirt and shorts. Once she had folded them up and set them on the ground next to Bella she jumped into the water. Bella managed to move quickly enough to avoid getting splashed before she reclaimed her spot watching her family for a moment before going back to her book. Jasper and Alice had entered the swimming spot from the other side glancing at the group before them. Edward kept an eye on Seth and Renesmee. Rosalie dunked her husband once Renesmee was off his shoulders. Jake pulled Lana close once she surfaced before heading over to the others smiling.

Later on the group was sitting in the kitchen having dried off from their swimming adventure. Esme was working on making more lasagna for the six teens sitting in front of her. Jake gobbled down the food on his plate. Lana took small bites not as hungry since she had fed on animals earlier. Quil and Embry were teasing each other as they worked on eating. Seth and Renesmee ate taking breaks to talk more about school and pack items. Emmett and Jasper were playing on the xbox 360 in the living room while the others ate.

Jake looked at the time as he finished off the food on his plate "alright guys it is time to go to the council meeting otherwise we will never hear the end of it." He kissed Lana's forehead before heading out to his vehicle hoping that the meeting wouldn't take too long.

Seth gently kissed Renesmee goodbye before heading out after Jake sighing softly. Quil and Embry followed after the two not wanting to spend their afternoon stuck in a boring meeting. Jake started up the Ferrari waiting until the boys were in the car before reversing and speeding down to La Push. He parked fifteen minutes later and got out heading into the town hall not surprised to see Sue, his dad, and Old Quil waiting for them along with other members of the council. Sam, Paul, and Jared were also present. The four boys took a seat allowing the council to begin their meeting.

Billy looked at his son then at the other pack members "we are here to discuss security for our people. Lately there have been many animal attacks and property destroyed. I want the pack to start patrols and find either the animals that have been causing this or the juveniles who are responsible. Either way the thing responsible needs a bite of scaring." He paused to take a drink of his water before resuming his speech "we are pleased to announce that the reservation school is almost ready to be reopened so next year students will return to the school here. Thank you to Samuel Uley, Paul Lahote, and Jared Cameron for their work to help rebuild our schools."

Sam glanced at Jake "some of the parents of the younger pack members wish to speak to you about patrolling hours and other concerns they have about their sons being out late."

Jake ran a hand through his hair "we will set up patrols. The younger members of the pack will have the early afternoon patrols while the older members will take late night and early morning patrols. Anyone who can patrol during the morning hours is welcome to volunteer." He glanced at Sam "I will talk to the parents after this meeting is over but right now I need to set up a patrol schedule and inform everyone about it." He turned back to his dad "we will find who is responsible and make sure that the destruction of property is finished."

The council members talked quietly to each other taking into consideration what Jake had discussed and what Sam had mentioned to Jake.

Back in Forks night had fallen as Lana stared at the paper in front of her as she worked on some math problems that had been assigned right before the break had begun rubbing her eyes as the numbers blurred and she started to fall asleep. Renesmee was asleep on the couch her math book laying in her lap with her pencils and paper scattered on the floor from her movement. The pack had stayed in La Push to spend the night with their families as the council meeting had ended late.

Song Choice: Sixx:A.M.- Stars