Chapter 12: The Unfortunate Event.

Bella's POV…

As the morning dawned, I readied myself for the day. I wondered often how Caius was after our date. I knew he was not in my tree. By now, Edward usually took over his shift. I just finished drying off and pulled on my shirt as I peeked out the curtains then opened the window to let the air in. The morning air was chilly, but the rays of sunlight promised to bring some warmth to the day. Large white fluffy clouds drifted slowly up in the bright blue sky and the scent of the forest flowed around me. It smelled so good after the rainstorm. I noticed the rain puddles and barely remembered hearing the rain last night.

Rest came easy to me and I must have slept through it all. My thoughts wandered to Edward and wondered where he was this morning, He was late. I hurried to put the rest of my clothes on then brush my hair and grab my jacket. Dad left me for an early shift this morning and I was alone. I made my way out and down to the trees where I knew they all stationed themselves near. I looked around and then up the tree Caius usually stayed in and there was no one. I gazed around confused and slightly alarmed because I was not to be left alone.

''Good morning Bella, '' a familiar voice spoke behind me and I jumped.

I spun around and focused on the face of the one leaning sideways on a tree. The sunshine in his black hair and shimmered in many colors.

''Jake! ''I felt such joy seeing my good friend and I rushed him and then gave him a big hug

I missed him so much. Jake held me tight then let me go and cross his arms. He looked at me up and down appraising me. I gave him a confused look. ''Jake, what's the matter? ''

He gave me a look of exasperation. ''What do you mean what's the matter? You should know what the problem is. ''

I looked around for Edward, he was supposed to be here by now.

''Don't bother looking for Edward, he's probably somewhere licking his wounds. ''

''What do you mean? ''I asked backing off frowning.

''Your new Leech had a confrontation with him, and he ran off last night. So, Emmitt came and asked me to help with protecting you. I must say, you really surprised me, are you that fickle? ''He finished narrowing his accusing eyes at me.

''What happened? ''I asked him, taking a stance of determination for Jake to spill it.

He chuckled. ''Well, Edward tried to stop Caius from going on a date with you and so, Caius shared with him a bit of information. He's your mate. ''

''You know I have no control over that! ''I say defensively.

''Yeah, well shit, I guess,'' he paused to run his hands through his hair. ''It's just that Bella you smell different even, you smell like that Leach Caius.''

His words cut like a knife inside me. How could he be so cruel to me after all we meant to each other. He sounded so bitter and a lot like Edward. I gave him such a look of hurt that caused him regret.

''I'm sorry Bella. I know of this mating thing because Caius is explained it to me last night when I met him as I took over his watch. ''

Oh hell! Jake and Caius meet, and I missed it. I just had to know what went down.

''So, that's interesting. How did he react to you being a wolf, Jake? ''

''OK, first off, it was so not interesting. I almost attacked the guy, but he was not even paying me any mind. He was too busy staring at your picture that he took with his phone. I was angered at first because the new Leech was in the area. Then to find out he's your mate and a leader of this kind! I'm beyond anger …more like disappointed. ''Jake looked away from me and his expression was grim.

''Please Jake, your friendship means everything to me. ''I say taking a step and place my hand on his arm.

''I know, I just …''I watch his face struggle as he waged war within his own mind to search his feelings. Finally, he sighed in defeat and looked at me so sadly.

''You see, I was hoping you choose me I wanted to be your mate. ''

''Jake, this is not a choice. It is a supernatural claiming. ''

He nods and I hug him again.

''I'm glad you stayed for me. I appreciate your friendship and help in this fight. ''

He straightened up. I saw his mouth form into a determined line of seriousness.

''It's not just you Bells. It's the whole damn town that's at risk. The pack agrees to help the vampires for this reason. ''He stopped and took my hand. ''But for me it's you, it's always been you. ''

I smile up at him and pat his hand fondly.

''Thanks Jake. It's so awesome of you to have my back. ''

''Yep, you know it! ''He said sharing our fondness of each other.

''Well, it's my turn to watch you so you have to come with me.''

''Yeah? Where are we going? ''I say catching up to his pace as he started to walk.

''Up to the reservation and later a secret tribe meeting. ''

''What, aren't they secret for a reason? ''

''Yeah, but they want you to know the stories. ''

''I'm honored. ''

''Yeah and you're the first outsider two.'' He mentioned.

Wow I was really grateful, and it humbled me to be part of something that sacred.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Caius POV …

As I waited for the wolf boy to come and let me watch over my mate, I was on the phone with Aro. He had to be updated daily. I let him know of the new creatures, the shapeshifters. I explained that they are in an Indian tribe that protects people and are not a real threat to us as long as we don't enter their territory. I explained that they are not werewolves and can control their phases. They can be reasoned with just like a human. He was happy the pack agreed to help us in the fight too. Yeah, now we have even more numbers.

Although, he did not like hearing Edward could be a liability to our situation. I was to find him and deal with him soon. I was going to go for a more peaceful end to my mission as possible hopefully the boy will be reasonable. It would not do well to make tension between our covens as we draw close to the battle.

As I pocketed my phone, my sensitive years picked up on Jacob and Bella's approach. I could not go any further because I stood on the edge of the border of the wolves' territory and the Cullen's. So, I was forced to wait patiently as they walked slowly from his bike trail through the woods towards me. I leaned against a tree and strained to listen. I picked up on the progressing conversation.

''Bella, you know I still care for you. ''Jake was saying to my mate.

I strained to hear more and did not hear her reply. A growing silence was deepening.

Bella's POV…

Jake finishes confession with suffocating passion that had me recoiling. He grabbed me and leaned into me with all his intentions to kiss me and I resisted.

''No Jake, you know I don't feel the same! ''

He planted a heated kiss on me anyway and I was livid. How dare he forced himself on me! They remind me so much of Edward, that I reared back and punched him hard. I instantly regretted doing that because my hand hurt like hell. Damn, he really had a hard head both literally and figuratively. Even though I did not want to be kissed, my consciousness pricked, and I knew I should get away from Jake.

''Ouch, oooowww, fuck!'' I called out. I think I just broke my hand.

''I'm sorry about that, I was stupid. I wasn't thinking right. Here let me see. ''Jake reached for me, but I pulled away.

''No, just get me to Caius. ''I say holding my wrist to my chest.

''Don't worry, Jake. I will say I tripped over a log and fell on my hand. ''I say to ease his mind.

''Bella it is fine, you don't need to ...''Jake stopped abruptly.

As I moved the last branch, we could see Caius waiting for us. He had a look of menace that alarmed me for the sake of Jacob's safety. I gulped down my fears and continue to the edge. Jacob held his hands in surrender, but Caius seized him.

''So, Bella. I see you found some entertainment with your childhood friend here, ''He said not looking at me but into Jake's eyes. The voice was forcibly calm, and he looked frightening to me.

''I was just talking to Jake and I tripped. ''

''I am no fool and I heard what happened. This boy forced himself on you! ''He said as he lifted Jake into the air by his shirt.

''Please Caius, he is sorry for his actions. Do not hurt him! ''

''Caius, I will not do it again …ack.'' Jake gagged as Caius shook him.

I was surprised by Caius's reaction to Jacob. It was interesting, Caius was displaying more than just instinctual responses but seemed to feel a lot more. Maybe he was feeling a little more than ownership. Could there be love there?

''You, wolf boy, would do better if you remember that Bella is my mate and I will not tolerate other males to touch her! ''He said pulling Jacob close to his clenched white bared teeth.

''I should kill you for hurting her, but I will not. It's because of Bella's feelings and wishes that I will let you be. You are her friend.'' The words rumbled out of my mate's chest and Jake seemed to acknowledge Caius's dominance.

I watched in relief as Caius lower Jake to the ground. ''I better go, Bella I …I'll see you around. ''Jacob's voice was quiet and regretful.

''Yeah, Jake I'll see you. ''I responded softly, knowing that it was unlikely Jake would come around me anytime soon.

''You didn't have to chase him off like that, you know. He said he was sorry. ''

''I merely needed to teach him a lesson and let him know that you are my mate now. So, he always needs to keep a proper distance from you. ''

''He was just …''I stop myself from arguing. I wanted to defend Jacob, but he was wrong. But I hated this pissing contest the guys were having over me. Anyway, I could handle myself. I looked down at my arm and snorted. Well, maybe not.

Though, I was impressed with both guys, they had good control. They could have easily lost it. Jake could have phased, and Caius could have ripped him apart without mercy. I could feel Caius's extreme emotions and all I wanted to do now was to help my mate, so I ran to him and instantly felt that he relaxed in my arms. He suddenly purred to me and gave me tender kiss. Then he looked down at my wrist and clicked his tongue.

''Let's have Carlisle look at that shall we? ''