We continued with a new, strange routine. For the rest of my time outside of school, I would sit on the porch, bake, or work shifts at Newton's. It seemed Mike was in a mood better than ever before. I declined every date offer Mike gave me. I started ignoring his calls to the home phone as well. I was heavily reminded of why I hadn't offered any friends at school my cellphone number.

Always late in the night or early in the morning, sometimes at ten o'clock and sometimes at two, Jacob would climb through my window looking like a ghost. The deep circles under his eyes grew more pronounced. On a good day, he would smile tiredly and eat plenty of dinner leftovers before snoring peacefully in my bedroom. On a bad day, Jacob would remain silent and somber. He would wake often, tossing and turning, holding tightly to me as if he were afraid. I never asked him why he wasn't going home to Billy.

Most mornings, sometimes before the sun had risen and sometimes just after, Jacob would be gone. All that was left of his time in my bed was the smell of pine and earth on my sheets. Once or twice, I had woken to my alarm for an early shift at Newton's, just to find a blurry-eyed Jacob still in bed. It was in those moments, when the blankets were draped across his waist and all his bronzed skin was on display, that I found my own body to be treacherous.

My gut would clench and my skin would go completely warm. I spent mindless hours debating with myself only to conclude that my reaction had nothing to do with the physical. Not truly. Mike, who was the only other male I found myself dealing with on a regular basis, was not an ugly guy. He had golden blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a nice smile. His skin was free of any severe blemishes. He had a bawdy laugh and a well-meaning nature. He wasn't skinny nor fat. He wasn't particularly muscular, certainly not like Jacob, but Mike did have some muscle definition. Why then, was I not attracted to him? Was it because I didn't truly care about him as awful as that made me feel?

I thought, after yet another shift at work, that Mike simply wasn't the type of man I liked. Maybe I had a particular type and Mike didn't fit the bill. Yet, when I compared the only two men I had liked with any real conviction, I came up with nothing in common between them. Not physically and certainly not mentally or emotionally. Both Jacob and him were polar opposites. The only common trait I could find was the fact that both were supernatural. And still, none of my inner musings explained my physical attraction to Jacob.

I wasn't attracted to him, I tried to remind myself, only to berate myself for lying. It was demeaning to Jacob, to pretend as if I felt nothing for him. After all, the idea of allowing Mike Newton or Erik York to sleep in my bed was absurd. Neither would I have ever invited Angela or Jessica to stay the night at my home, in my bedroom. None of my school friends had ever had the kind of profound connection I had had with Jacob.

They didn't speak with me of dead mothers, estranged sisters, childhood fears, or financial struggles. None of my school friends hugged me in greeting every time we saw one another. They didn't twirl my hair and whisper in my ear. They didn't hold my hand when we walked on the beach. I didn't cook for them. I didn't know their favorite foods or colors. My heart didn't clench in my chest at the very thought of any of them in pain.

On a dreary Monday morning, as I made breakfast for Charlie, I realized the full extent of the truth. There was no one like Jacob Black. Jacob had never, and would never, fit into the category of simply being my friend.

After waving goodbye to Charlie, I pulled apple-cinnamon muffins from the oven. Unbeknownst to Charlie, there was a giant teenage boy sleeping in my bed upstairs. I knew, from a brief and quiet conversation the night before, that Jacob didn't have to patrol again until eleven o'clock in the afternoon. He had run to and fro, covering dozens of miles of territory from five in the evening until just before two in the morning. It was then that he had hopped through the window, startling me awake.

Jacob had whispered quietly, slipping in between the blankets and pressing against me. I vaguely remembered warmth and melting against him, putting my cheek to his neck and inhaling. I remembered full lips brushing across my forehead and blunt nose trailing over the shell of my ear. I remembered the smell of pine and salt. When I woke to the muffled sound of Charlie's alarm sometime later, I shuffled out of Jacob's tight hold. I had smirked, chuckling quietly as he grumbled in his sleep, smacked his lips together and opened heavy eyes. I had instantly stopped my quiet laugh when he rolled over, eyes closed again. Jacob had whispered, "My Bells. Come back to bed."

I hadn't listened. Instead, I had closed my bedroom door and hastily made a dash for the kitchen. Charlie had spoken to me a bit more than usual at the breakfast table. He had asked why I was baking so many muffins. He had asked if I had any plans for my upcoming graduation. He had asked how Jacob was doing. I had answered a vaguely as possible on all accounts.

I had a mug of warm coffee and was pouring a tall cup full of orange juice when Jacob shuffled into the kitchen sometime after Charlie left for work. Jacob was still bare-chest and wearing the cut-up sweatpants of Charlie's. He had begun leaving them on the floor before jumping out of the window each morning. I tried not to think about the fact that, for at least a few seconds, Jacob stood naked in my bedroom while I slept.

"Hey." I said as I turned back to the stove. I plated six apple muffins and several sausage links before setting the platter on the table. "Here you go."

I turned to the refrigerator. I was rummaging through as I said, "That probably won't be enough for you. I have leftover lasagna from the night before. I could make a cold-cut sandwich for you. We have chips in the cupboard, I think. There's still plenty of blueberry cobbler, but I'm not sure how healthy that is for breakfast."

A warm thumb brushed over the nape of my neck. I squeaked, straightened up and closed the refrigerator door. Turning around, I found myself face to face with a frowning Jacob. He asked, "What's wrong, Bells?"

"N-Nothing." I stammered as my eyes dropped to the floor.

Carefully, Jacob reached out and tilted my chin up with one finger. He gave a lopsided smile and said, "I know you better than that. What's up?"

"Eat your breakfast. It will get cold." I replied.

"Nope." He said, popping the 'p' with a long noise. Jacob brushed a piece of my hair behind my ear. His fingertips lingered tenderly. I pressed my lips together and ducked away from him. I leaned against the countertop and awkwardly said, "Don't do that, Jake…"

"Why not?" He asked simply.

"You know why not." I mumbled with my eyes averted.

"No, I don't." He said, "You can tell me, though."

I sighed, "It's too early in the morning for this."

"No, it isn't." Jacob said with amusement. "You're an early riser, anyway."

"Stop playing games, Jake. I'm serious." I snapped suddenly. I pushed myself away from the countertop and retorted, "I'm not here for your entertainment."

His dark gaze burned brightly as he took a lunging step forward, effectively cornering me until I was pressed against the countertop once more. Jacob stepped forward and leaned down, still towering over me, until we were toe to toe. Our thighs brushed. His face was so close to mine I nearly crossed my eyes to meet his mocha glare. There was an odd, muffled rumbling sound. At first, I thought there was an old truck coming down the road. It took a moment for me to realize the sound was coming from Jacob.

I watched as his bronzed skin trembled. He put either palm on the countertop, which created a cage around me. All I could focus on was burning, melting mocha eyes. He rasped, "You are not a game to me, Bella. You know that. You also know I'm only worried about you because you've been acting out of sorts. Talk to me. I know you want to, but you're afraid."

I bit my lip as one russet hand lifted. It slowly began tracing my ear again. Jacob murmured, "I'm here for you, Bells. Why are you upset? Why are you stressed? Maybe I can help."

I sighed as he asked, "Is it me? The coming in late. Eating all your food. I can leave, Bells, if you need space."

"No, Jake." I whispered, "It isn't that."

"Not that." He murmured thoughtfully, "But it is me. I'm the problem."

"No." I replied more firmly. "I'm the problem as usual."

We were quiet for a moment. Jacob asked, "How so?"

His fingertips were softly pressed against the side of my neck. His thumb was causing gooseflesh to sprout across my skin. I swallowed before saying, "J-Just us…this…I don't want to hurt you."

His eyes flickered to my cheeks, watching as a hot blush bloomed. Jacob quietly said, "I know what I'm doing, Bells."

I sighed and closed my eyes. My hand came up and I gently grabbed his wrist to still his movements. His big palm remained on my skin and I didn't have the strength to push him away. I swallowed heavily and whispered, "I'm afraid that you might think this is something it isn't, Jake."

"I know exactly what we are, Bells." Jacob replied evenly. The silence lasted a moment more before he added gently, "I know where I stand and where you stand. The problem is that you know where you stand, too. You just don't like it. You're surprised to find yourself where you are now, I think, which makes you nervous."

My eyes opened and narrowed. I huffed, "Don't tell me what I think or feel, Jacob. I'm trying to be nice, but you aren't listening."

Dark eyes roamed across my features. He murmured, "Listening."

"I don't want to lead you on, but I have." I blurted out. My cheeks flushed deeply. I felt dizzy as I rushed to explain myself. "I don't think we can keep acting like this. I don't want you angry or hurt, but Jake…I-I can't be what you want me to be. I'm not capable of it anymore."

"What makes you think I want anything more than you as you are right now?"

"I'm not sure what you mean." I replied, tired and confused.

He smiled. "Come on, Bells. You're the smartest girl I know. Don't play dumb."

"We're just friends, Jake. I can't be anything more than a friend." I whispered.

Jacob said, "We are friends, honey. Best friends. I don't see the problem here."

"Who is playing dumb now, huh, Jake?" I asked, exasperated.

"Not really, Bells. We're the same as we've ever been, but better." He reassured.

I said, "You know what I'm talking about. We can't keep…sleeping together."

He grinned as he replied happily, "Sleeping together? I think I would remember something like that. Definitely would remember that with you."

I blushed. "Don't make jokes, you jerk. God, can you stop being childish?"

"Damnit, Bells." He sighed heavily and slid his hands to my elbows. He yanked me forward until I stumbled into him. His arms went around my waist and even when I tugged, Jacob didn't let me go. He pressed his palm into the back of my head until I groaned and put my cheek to his chest. I listened to the thumping of his heartbeat.

Jacob pressed his lips against my ear and murmured, "I know you're still hurting. I know you're scared of letting yourself care. I scare you because you do care even though you don't want to. This is me being truthful, Bella, so listen up."

He inhaled shakily and said, "I'm in too deeply with you, okay? I understand that you're healing, honey. I'm willing to wait for you however long I have to, but if you really want me gone, then tell me so. Tell me I have no chance of you ever loving me. Look me in the eyes and tell me truthfully that I mean nothing to you. And I'll leave you be. We can stop this right now."

Tears built and burned hotly in my eyes, so I blinked rapidly to keep them at bay. I knew, even as he spoke, that I could say none of those cruel words. Not to him. Not to Jacob. Sniffling, I slowly turned my head until my lips pressed against his sternum. The skin was smooth, tight, and burning hot. There was a deep hitching of breath, which Jacob released on a gushing sigh. His hands banded around my waist, holding me tightly. After a long, silent embrace I pulled away and wiped fitfully at my eyes. I turned to the sink, dipping my hand into cold, sudsy water. I croaked, "Eat your breakfast."

"Yes mam." He murmured. There was the squeak of a chair and then the tinkling of silverware on ceramic. Jacob slurped on his drink. I ran hot water from the faucet. After some time, I cleared my throat. "Are you seeing Billy at all anymore?"

"Yes." Jacob chuckled from beside the table. "Not as often as usual, though."

I opened my mouth, but a piercing howl cut through the partially opened kitchen window. Gasping, a mug slipped from my watery hands and plunked back into the sink. There was a crash as the chair fell to the floor. Jacob was already lunging toward the door, skin trembling. "Wait!" I cried, "What's happening?"

"The leech." Jacob spit as he charged for the back door. I followed on his heels while wiping my hands on my pajama pants. He growled, "It's the redheaded bitch. Bet she came through town again."

I stumbled, my bare toe catching on the doorway. Jacob reached back, catching me by the elbow and standing me upright. His face was tightly lined as he said, "I'll catch you later. Stay inside. Don't leave your house."

"Wait…" I breathed, "Redhead. A woman? Curly hair?"
"What? Yeah. Yeah. How in the hell did you know? You know this bloodsucker?" Jacob demanded with a deep frown on his face.

My chest and throat were constricting. I abruptly lowered myself to the ground, sitting quickly with my feet tucked underneath my legs. Jacob squatted down, a deep frown and a grim set to his lips. He spoke rapidly, but I heard nothing except the thundering of my heart. I wiggled my fingers, but they still felt numb.

"Bella!" Jacob barked loudly, reaching down and shaking my shoulders. "Bella, listen to me. Answer me, damnit. Do you know the redheaded leech? What's she after? Why is she sticking around?"

"Me." I croaked, "She's after me."

"What?" He snarled. I watched blankly as his upper lip peeled from his teeth. Jacob smoothly scooped me up and jogged back into the house. He snatched my wallet and keys off of the countertop and headed out the front door, slamming it shut with his heel. He shoved me in the truck, jumped in the driver's seat, and gunned the engine. We were speeding down familiar roads within moments. I realized I was in pajamas without shoes. I shakily asked, "What are you doing?"

He growled, "Taking you to Emily's house. To Sam. I need you on our land."

"Jacob, I don't-"

"You aren't safe, Bella!" He snapped loudly, "There are wolves prowling all along La Push. Forks is much bigger of a territory. We thought the bitch was circling Forks, but we never gave her a chance to move about. We always chase her straight into the ocean or through the Canadian border."

My thoughts clicked together like puzzle pieces. I asked, "What did the other vampire look like? The one you killed before."

I counted a full ten seconds before Jacob replied, "A really dark-skinned male. The male had red eyes and dreadlocks."

I whispered, "Laurent…"

Jacob cut a somber expression in my direction before saying, "The female's a redhead who runs faster than any leech anybody's ever seen."

"She's petite. Childlike." I quietly said, "She has very curly hair and a button nose. She never wears shoes."

"How many fucking leeches do you know, Bella?" He snorted bitterly.

I looked at him and whispered, "A few."

Jacob jerked the wheel and I fell against the door. Grunting, I up-righted myself just in time for the truck to come to a screeching halt in front of a cabin. Sam Uley was opening the screen door just as four half-naked men bounded out of the treeline. Jacob called out, "Where'd she go?"

"Back into the ocean." Jared called back.

"Why did you bring Leech Lover?" Paul snapped.

The four men, one of which was Embry, had me staring blankly. It was Jacob who took insult to my new nickname. He growled and I jumped, nearly slipping as I slammed the passenger side truck door. My bare feet squished in mushy grass. The sound that crawled out of Jacob's throat was a low, guttural growl. My head whipped in his direction, but he was too busy glaring at Paul to notice me.

Sam was suddenly in the spacious gap between the four men and us. He put a hand to Jacob's bare chest and demanded, "Calm down. Paul, shut it. Jacob, tell me why you've brought Bella when you were meant to answer our call for aid."

"It's after her." Jacob snarled before slapping Sam's broad palm away. I flinched as the sound of flesh against flesh echoed just as loudly as his inhumane growling. I expected Sam to attack Jacob, but he didn't. The older man just glared.

"The leech. How? Why?" Sam demanded. He cut his dark gaze at me, but I pointedly looked away and tucked myself closer to Jacob's side.

"I don't know." Jacob retorted before glancing at me. He turned his back to the other men and snapped, "Go somewhere else. You're crowding her."

"It isn't your place to-" Paul's angry words were cut off by Jacob yelling, "It isn't as if you won't hear the fucking conversation. Even if you couldn't, you know Sam would relay the information. Just give her space to explain. Go the hell away."

After a nod from Sam, the four half-naked men bounded the porch steps and disappeared into the cabin. Sam fully faced us and ordered, "Explain now."

"I-I met her through the Cullen family. Her name is Victoria."

"And?" Sam asked tersely, "Is she of their coven?"

"No. No. She was a stranger. She was from a different family. I mean, coven. Victoria was from a different coven. They were passing through Forks during a thunderstorm. We were playing baseball, in a field behind the Cullen's mansion, when the nomad vampires heard us. They were curious, especially when they realized I was human. They asked to join our game." I explained haltingly.

Sam asked, "Who is 'they'? Do you mean the redhead's coven? How many?"

"Three, I think. I only met three. Jacob said you killed Laurent, though."

Sam nodded. "The black male? Yes. What of the third? Male or female?"

I paused before saying, "Male. His name was James. He…He's dead now."

"Dead? Are you sure? He was ripped to pieces and burned?" Sam asked.

"Yes." I whispered, "Yes. James was killed over a year ago."

"What does the redhead want with you?" Sam sternly retorted.

"Revenge, I think." I replied on a shaky exhale.

"Revenge?" Jacob whispered, "What in the hell for? You're human."

I looked away from both men and focused on a rust spot on the hood of my truck. It took several times of me swallowing before I said, "James was what the Cullens called a Tracker. From my understanding, that meant he was capable of scenting someone just once and finding them wherever they went. He scented me. He wanted to hunt me. And he did."

Jacob inhaled sharply, but I still didn't look in his direction. I looked at the rust spot and began counting the flakes and chipped paint scratches. I cleared my throat before saying, "Carlisle and the rest of the family warned James off. I was taken across the country while wearing Esme's clothes. Rosalie wore my clothes. Everyone was set into groups in order to confuse James. One group went with my clothing. One group went to escape with me. The third was to hunt for James. I went with Alice and Jasper, but James called me while in an airport. I slipped away through the crowds because he had played old videotapes of my mother's voice through the phone. I thought James had her. I followed his directions. Went to him. When I realized he didn't have Renee, I was relieved. James planned to kill me. He filmed the entire thing. He was angry, you see, at the Cullens."

I choked, "He was angry at…at Edward. He knew that Edward was protecting me and had planned to kill James in return for threatening me. I was lucky that James wanted to draw my death out because that gave time for Edward and the others to find me. I was bitten, but Edward and Carlisle healed me. I can't remember much beyond that point, but I know Jasper and Alice finished killing James while Edward drew the venom from my veins. I guess…Victoria wants to kill me because her mate died because of me. An eye for an eye."

I met the somber stare of Sam. Before either of us could say a word, Jacob lunged forward, maneuvered my elbow, and softly pulled my arm until it was outstretched. I heard his fast muttering, but didn't catch what he said. Jacob yanked back the fabric of my sweatshirt and exposed the moon shaped scar on my wrist. Both men went gray in the face as they looked at my arm with grim expressions.

"That's where this scar came from." Jacob rasped. He stared at me with liquid eyes of sadness. "They tried to kill you, Bella. Turn you."

"Not the Cullens." I whispered instantly, "They aren't like that."

Jacob's finger brushed back and forth over the scar. His shoulders were trembling slightly. There was a pause before Sam said, "She is safe here, Jake."

"And what about in Forks, huh? What about her home? About Charlie?" He snapped suddenly. His eyes were wide and darker than ever before.

I whispered, "Charlie. I have to find a way to keep him safe. Maybe if…"

"NO." Jacob snarled, tugging me hard so that I fell against his chest. He wrapped arms around my waist and growled, "You're nuts if you think I'm going to let you give yourself to her in an attempt to save your dad."

"I didn't say I was going to do that." I snapped back, but my reply was muffled because my face was flush with his chest. I struggled and demanded, "Let go of me."

He did so instantly, but I stumbled and Jacob caught my elbow. I swept my hair out of my eyes and huffed, "Enough with the macho man bullcrap, Jake."

"Don't give me your lies and hissy fits, Bella. I know exactly what you were thinking and you know that I know I'm right." He said with a narrowed gaze.

"Ugh!" I stomped my foot and groaned. "You're ridiculous."

"Says the girl who is wearing cartoon pajama pants and stomping her foot in a mud puddle like a dramatic teenager." Jacob replied hotly.

I paused and blushed before saying, "You're an ass."

"Is that the best you've got?" He asked before stepping forward and leaning down. He sighed, "This situation sucks like hell, Bella. We know what that leech is after now. This can help us. She will stay closer to La Push. You're her target."

"That doesn't save any of the people in my life, Jake." I cried in frustration as I crossed my arms over my chest. He eyed me intensely before muttering, "I know. The sooner she's dead, the better off we will all be."

I glanced at Sam, who was still ease dropping rudely and obviously on our conversation. I wiped at my eyes and asked, "What about Charlie?"

Jacob glanced at Sam, who nodded. He turned to me and said, "Come on. Let's walk and talk, Bells."

He had walked only a short way when Sam called out, "Keep her in La Push for tonight, Jake."

"Yeah, yeah." Jacob muttered and rolled his eyes. "I hear you, Captain."

I was irritated as I quickened my pace to keep up with Jacob's powerful stride. I demanded, "Where are you going?"

"My house." He sighed, "Don't bother trying to walk back to your truck. Sam will have taken the keys by now. It sucks, I know. Sorry."

"Are you serious?" I huffed as I sped up. I complained, "Slow down. Darn it. Jake. Really?"

I reached for his arm. He ground to a halt as I smacked his forearm. Yelping, I brought my stinging palm to my mouth. Jacob chuckled, eyeing me funnily. He said, "My skin is really tough now, Bells. Be more careful, honey."

I huffed, "You can't just keep me here against my will, you idiot."

Jacob frowned and said, "I'm not. You're welcome to leave, but it's only going to increase the chance that somebody gets killed. Likely, you. Use your common sense, Bella. If we stay in a group and she comes for you here, we will have her by the throat. You would have visited with me on any regular day, right?"

I narrowed my eyes and muttered, "No."

He chuckled. "Stop with the lies. You suck at it, don't you know?"

I grumbled, "Fine. What is the plan? Keep me here indefinitely while a crazed vampire hunts me down? What about Charlie? What about all the other people in town?"

Jacob sighed, "My job is to protect you, Bella. Sam has already put a wolf on Charlie duty. Quil phased two nights ago and he volunteered to trail Charlie while he's working. Works out well enough."

I gasped, "What? When? I've only just told you guys about Victoria."

Jacob opened the front door and immediately walked to the rusted heater. He smacked his palm on top, and waited until it puttered to life. Jacob poured a cold glass of water and brought it to me as I sat on the sofa. After he sat down, he explained himself.

"Last night during our meeting, I told Sam that twice now the leech had gotten entirely too close to your house. Both times, Charlie was at home. I thought it was a coincidence at first. Still, I volunteered to pick up any extra shifts, but even then, I wouldn't have been able to stay on Charlie duty twenty-four hours a day. That's when Quil offered to help."

I pressed my lips together and whispered, "What now?"

"Now?" Jacob smirked sharply as he said, "Now we hunt her."