A quick search of the house brought Rosalie nothing but Jacob's scent until she reached Bella's bedroom. She growled and threw the window open angrily.
"That bitch was here, Bella," Rose growled. "I would bet my life on it. I can smell her and my brother, but it's faint. Only at the window, so something must have run her, or them off. If Edward tracked her here, why the hell didn't he say anything?"
Bella sat down on her bed, shaking. "Jacob was here this morning, on the couch," Bella said. "I wonder if she was trying to beat him here, to get to me."
"Does the pack trade-off at set times?" Rosalie asked.
Bella nodded before bursting into tears.
Rose hollered for the others too, "Get the fuck up here!"
Jacob flew up the stairs to Bella's room. He stalked toward the scent coming from the window and jumped out of it. He phased as soon as he hit the ground, tearing after the trail into the treeline. Emmett tossed Rose a wink and jumped after him.
"I do not know why they even bothered coming upstairs," she said, rolling her eyes. Rose used the bathroom sink to wash the grease from her hands and returned with a rag to remove her prints from the window. A few minutes later, the two men returned talking animatedly.
"All that shit is gone from the barrel," Jacob said. "I'm guessing she took it. Her scent and Edwards are much more similar than I realized and I think she was hoping to mask her's with his. She's probably wearing the jacket now."
"It's because he created her," Rose said. "Our family in Denali smell closer to Edward as well."
"I told him the same," Emmett agreed.
"She could be wearing it because she's still attracted to his scent, too," Rosalie said. "He created her. There's a bond there."
"Where is he now?" Bella asked.
"He left after you went inside," Jacob said.
"So, here's what I think," Emmett said. "She came here this morning and didn't realize Jacob was here until she tried to get in the window. When she smelled him, she booked it. I think she had the Jacket already, though. I think that's why Bella felt sick when she woke up."
"That makes sense," Rose agreed, "but if he lied about being here, I'll rip his dick off."
"Bells, please," Jacob pleaded sadly, "Please come stay out on the Rez with me. It is safer there."
"What about Charlie?" she asked anxiously. "He is not safe here, either. I can't just leave him here alone."
"Bella, we would still watch out for Charlie," Jacob said.
"After tonight, we will be staggering shifts," Emmett said. "One wolf, one vamp at all times."
"Even if it's just me and Emmett," Rose said, nodding determinedly.
"Then what would be the point of not being here if nothing else would change, Jacob?" Bella was getting angry again.
"Bella," Rose said softly, "Somebody trashed your truck. It was not Victoria, but someone did it, nonetheless. Probably to keep you from going out to LaPush, where you could be constantly guarded. I honestly think if she were after Charlie, she'd have made her move. She just wants you."
"Blondie is right, honey," Jacob said, rubbing Bella's back soothingly.
"And who is to say she wouldn't target Charlie when she could not find me?" Bella asked them.
"That is why someone would still be guarding the house, Bells," Jake said.
"Until we can get your truck fixed, you are going to need transportation, too," Rose said.
"If I know my brother," Emmett said.
"And you do," Rose interrupted.
"He's going to want to take advantage of every opportunity he can to be at your side," Emmett said.
"Bella can drive my Rabbit, or I can take her back and forth," Jacob said. "I'll be coming here to work on the truck anyway. I don't have a way to tow it out to Billy's."
"Seriously, guys, wait for a second," Bella said heatedly. "It's not that I don't appreciate you all getting along or the lengths you're going to. I do. Charlie is not going to be okay with me just moving out to Jacob's."
"Bella, you are technically an adult," Rose said.
"That does not mean I want to fight with my dad or hurt his feelings by just taking off again," Bella argued. "I've done that to Charlie already. I will not do it again."
"Are you sure Charlie is the one you are worried about?" Jacob asked.
"Jacob Ephriam, do not start that shit with me right now," she said firmly. "I am concerned about Charlie. Period. Besides, it would mean stretching the pack thinner if someone has to babysit my ass there too. Not to mention the treaty and putting your dad in danger."
"That is a valid point," Rose agreed. "Also, I hate to admit it, but it would shut down any warnings Alice might get if Bella needs us. Apparently, she can not see Bella if there is a wolf too near. She sees her best when she is at school these days."
"Look guys," Bella said, wobbling on her feet. "I am really, really exhausted. If everything is secure here now, I would like to sleep." She sat down heavily on the edge of her bed, her head in her hands.
"Emmett and I have already talked with Jacob about the parts for your truck. We can order them and wait at least a week or go get them ourselves tomorrow. It would give us a chance to look around the city and see if we can spot any evidence to directly tie Victoria there," Rose said.
"Thank you," Jacob said simply. "If she doesn't want to leave here, the sooner her truck is running, the better."
"If you would just let me get a whole new engine, it could go a lot faster," Rose said, smirking.
"Hey, don't hate the truck," Bella mumbled tiredly. Emmett chuckled.
"We'll talk to you soon, Bella. Jacob? Tonight," Rose said, and Jacob nodded. The couple left, and Jacob made his way to the bathroom. Bella laid back on her bed as she heard the water run. Once the grease and dirt were washed away, he headed back to Bella's room, peeking in on her.
"Jakey?" Bella called sleepily.
"Yeah, honey?" he asked her sadly. Bella hadn't called him that since they were children.
"Will you lay down with me for a while? Charlie won't be home for a few hours." Bella mumbled.
"Sure, honey. Let me go shut the hood and put the tools up real quick," Jacob said. He was gone for a short time, returning with a smirk.
"They already did it all," he chuckled. "Fucking vampire speed is ridiculous."
"See," Bella slurred. "They're not so bad."
"Well, those two aren't, anyway," Jacob chuckled, sliding into the bed next to her. Bella turned to face him, burying her face against his chest. Jacob closed his eyes and played with her hair until they were both sound asleep.
Bella awoke feeling rested, thankfully. The dizziness and exhausted ache in her body had gone. Jacob's warm body was wrapped around hers snuggly. The sound of the TV playing downstairs made her immediately alert. Bella looked at the alarm clock and groaned. Charlie was home. Leaving Jacob sleeping, she made her way slowly downstairs and grinned sheepishly at her father. "Hey, Dad."
Charlie cocked an eyebrow at her. "Got a couple Pizza's on the table," he said. "You were sound asleep when I got home. I figured you'd probably like to not cook for a change."
"Ern, thanks, Dad," Bella said. "I appreciate that."
"You wanna tell me why Jacob's upstairs and not on the couch?" Charlie asked her.
"I asked him to lay with me for a bit because I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to be by myself. I was feeling a little… overwhelmed today," she admitted.
"Why, Baby? What's wrong?" Charlie asked. She was being rather forthcoming, she realized, surprised at herself.
"Well," she said, making her way to the couch. "The Cullens are back."
The can or Rainer in Charlie's hand wobbled, splashing beer on his t-shirt. He cursed and patted it quickly with a napkin. "The hell, you say?"
"It's temporary," She said quickly. "And I'm okay, I promise. It's just difficult."
"Bella, please don't tell me that Edmund fucker is coming around," Charlie warned.
"I've seen him, yes," Bella admitted. "He gave me a ride to school this morning."
"Why the hell did he do that?" Charlie asked angrily. "And why would you trust him to go anywhere with him, Bella? What the fuck?"
Bella had to bite her lip to keep from grinning. "I needed a ride. That's the other, eh, stressful thing from today." She cringed, anticipating the yelling. "Someone trashed my truck."
"What the hell do you mean someone trashed your truck?" Charlie yelled and sat his beer can down on his side table.
"Are you going to repeat everything I say?" Bella grinned at him playfully. Charlie grunted, but she could see he was already calming down.
"It wouldn't start this morning. Rosalie and Emmett were here for a while today to help Jacob fix it. Rose said someone had screwed with it, and some things need replacing. They are making a trip to get the parts for me. Jacob and I spent a little time with those two this weekend. They want us to come by for a little while tonight." Bella said and sighed.
"Bella, I think that is a really bad fucking idea," Charlie grumbled. "How does Jake feel about all this?"
"Jacob likes Emmett and Rose, Dad. They get along really well," Bella said. "I'd like to go see Alice and Esme as well, but I would rather have Jacob with me. I'm not ready to be around them all alone."
At least it wasn't a complete lie.
"But you were okay being alone with the boy who left you for dead in the woods?" Charlie asked bluntly.
"Seven to one is a little overwhelming," she grumbled.
"Bella, you're an adult. If you want to see them, I can't stop you, but I would prefer you have Jacob with you. I don't trust that Edwin. Not a single bit." Charlie said.
"Well, that makes two of us," Bella said, smirking. "Jacob keeps me safe, dad. I only let Edward drive me to school because Jake knew who I was with and where I was going."
"You don't have to tell me Jake keeps you safe," Charlie chuckled. "I think the kid would jump in front of a bullet for you."
"Dad…" Bella hesitated again and laughed nervously. You might as well just spit it out, Bella Swan. "Jacob and I…"
Charlie cocked his eyebrow again. "You two together now?" he asked.
"Yes," Bella said and blushed. To her relief, Charlie grinned.
"Good," he said. "Tell him if he needs to punch what's-his-face, I'll bail him out."
"Dad!" Bella said loudly but couldn't hold back a chortle.
All it had taken was the thought of Edward coming around, and Charlie was back on the Jacob wagon, Bella thought.
A groggy Jacob stumbled into the living room, smiling. "Hey, Chief," he said happily and yawned. "I'm really sorry for falling asleep upstairs," he said and rubbed his face.
"Uh, Jake…" Charlie said and chuckled. "It's not a big deal, I suppose. You two have slept next to each other since you were toddlers. Just…" Bella shot her father a cautious look. "Bella knows the rules, that's all I'm gonna say," he chuckled again, staring back at Bella.
"Noted," Bella said nervously and scurried to the kitchen. "Jake, let's have some PIzza."
Jacob followed her to the kitchen, smirking. "What was that about?" he asked, sitting down at the table.
"Is Embry out there?" Bella whispered.
Jacob leaned over to peek through the window. "Yep," he said.
"Will you run him out a few slices?" Bella asked him, looking at the back door timidly. He gave her a big smile, kissed her on the forehead, and tossed a few slices onto a paper plate. A light tap at the door had Jacob pulling it open quietly for a dressed but barefoot Embry.
"Sorry, I heard you, and I'm starving. I've been smelling those pies since they got here," he chuckled quietly. Jacob handed him the plate and playfully shoved him back outside. Embry laughed again and ran back into the treeline. "See you soon," he called out.
"Is he going tonight?" Bella asked quietly.
"Yeah. Seth and Paul will watch your house while we are gone," Jacob said.
"Won't they need to know what is going on?" Bella asked.
"We will all be phased for our little gathering tonight," Jake said, shoving pizza into his mouth.
"So they will be able to see it all?" Bella asked. "Telepathy, right?"
"Right," Jacob said around another mouthful and chuckled.
"Um, Jacob? How are we going to get there when the truck is broken down?" Bella asked.
"Paul and Seth are driving here. They are bringing the Rabbit. I didn't think Charlie would much appreciate the motorcycle," he answered.
"Thought of everything, didn't you?" she asked, laughing.
"I told you, honey. I gotta take care of you," Jacob said, smiling. Charlie had chosen that moment to come into the room, overhearing Jacob. He looked pointedly at Bella as he passed, smiling with approval. Bella just rolled her eyes and dug into her pizza, hoping the night was going to go smoothly.
Arriving at the Cullen house had Bella's heart racing anxiously. Before she could even shut the door to the Rabbit, a tinkling laugh wrapped in a short yellow dress was rushing her.
"Bella, I'm so sorry. I missed you so much," Alice squealed out in her windchime voice. She pulled back to look a stunned Bella over. While Bella had lovingly donned one of the new outfits from Alice, she'd made a point to not shower before going to the Cullens. She assumed Edward would try to speak to her privately at some point. After their nap, Bella was sure she reeked of Jacob. Bitterly, she wanted to make sure that Edward remembered who she belonged to now. Also, the less appealing she smelled to him, the better.
"Sweetie, you smell like a werewolf," Alice giggled, scrunching up her nose.
"Um, really long unplanned nap," Bella said and smiled at Jacob. He walked over slowly, scrunching his nose."
"Man, it reeks of Leech out here," he said. "It's different smelling so many in a concentrated space,"
"I imagine we'll feel the same in the clearing later," Alice said and laughed. She took a step toward Jacob and froze. Bella recognized the blank look on Alice's face. Jacob looked at Bella questioningly.
"She's getting a vision," Bella said.
"No," Alice shook her head quickly as if to clear her mind. "Nothing. I can't see around you, for sure."
"I'm changing her nickname from pixie to etch-a-sketch," Jacob said seriously.
Alice giggled. "Emmett said this afternoon that Jacob is the male wolf version of Rose," she said mischievously, eyeing him.
Jacob jerked backward, feigning offense. "Please. I am so much prettier than Blondie," he joked. Emmett's booming laugh poured from the house and Alice gave them a wide smile.
"It's nice to meet a wolf that's not a stick in the mud." She winked at Jacob and started skipping toward the house. "Come on in, you two."
Jacob eyed Bella uneasily and she rubbed his arm.
"We can do this," she smiled at him.
"Aren't I supposed to be supporting you right now? Jacob asked, chuckling.
"You can comfort me in your territory. I'll comfort you in mine," Bella teased. "I love you," she said and he gave her a quick kiss. They heard a door slam from upstairs and Bella flinched.
"Well, now I know where his room is," He mumbled sarcastically, accurately glancing toward Edward's corner of the house. Jacob wrapped his hand around hers and they made their way inside.
The house looked as if they had never left. Bella had gasped in surprise at the familiar black and white pieces of furniture. Crisp, bright, and clean, the house had always reminded Bella of a combination of Esme and Carlisle's personalities. Bella began to tear up as she thought about seeing the house empty recently. She had wanted so desperately for them to be there that day. She trembled at the thought of Laurent and his attempted assault. Jacob instinctively wrapped his arm around her, rubbing her upper arm soothingly. The smell of chocolate enveloped her once inside. Bella recognized it immediately, her mouth nearly watering. Esme made a killer hot chocolate and had enjoyed making it for Bella often. Pulling Jacob by the hand, a trembling Bella stepped around the corner toward the kitchen.
"Esme?" She called out softly. Leaving without a goodbye had felt so much worse than Renee's negligence or indifference. Bella's eyes welled with tears in anticipation. Esme stepped out of the kitchen, smiling. Bella threw herself at Esme, wrapping her arms around her eagerly.
"Oh, Bella, baby," Esme cooed as Jacob watched in surprise. The young-looking woman sobbed tearlessly alongside Bella, holding her tight. Bella's tears finally slowed, and to her annoyance, she began to hiccup.
"You left me," Bella said bitterly and hiccupped. "You didn't *hiccup* say goodbye or *hiccup* anything. You just left me." Fresh tears poured down her cheeks.
"I know, Bella, and we have all regretted it every single day," Esme said.
"It's true," came a deep voice from behind them. Bella spun around to smile blindly at Jasper. He walked over with a box of tissues. She grabbed one and chuckled, feeling the waves of calm he was sending her.
"I've missed you all, too," Bella said. All except Edward filled the room quietly, smiling. Bella walked quickly over to Carlisle, who readily embraced her.
"Everyone, this is Jacob," Bella said.
"I already know the mongrel," Rose teased. "I hear you think you are prettier than me."
"I thought it was common knowledge," Jacob teased back. Rose rolled her eyes, smiling brightly. Esme and Carlisle glanced at each other in surprised amusement.
"Rosie made a friend," Emmett teased. "My little girl is all grown up,"
"The pack will be in the clearing shortly," Jasper said, glancing at his watch. "We should probably head out."
"Someone is going to have to carry the human," Rose said, winking at Bella. Emmett stood, grinning, and beckoned her over.
"I got her," he said, clapping and rubbing his hands together.
"Emmett," Bella cautioned. "Down, boy."
"Well, it's either that or riding on my back," Jacob laughed. Emmett burst out laughing as the rest looked at Jake in horror.
"That seems slightly precarious," Bella said nervously. Jacob rolled his eyes and smirked.
"SEE?" Emmett yelled, pointing at Jacob and chuckling. "I told y'all, he's like Rosie with a"
"Emmett!" Esme reprimanded quickly, and laughter erupted through the room. Everyone headed for the door to leave. Jacob held Bella's hand again, shaking his head.
"I really can see why you care about them so much," he said quietly. "If it weren't for the wolf and its natural instincts, I think I would actually be pretty at ease around most of them. I can see they genuinely care about you. Even still, I can't help but feel on guard. I think I'll feel calmer once I've phased." He was trembling slightly from the prolonged proximity. Bella slid her fingers through Jacob's, and he squeezed her hand affectionately.
"Were you serious about what you said?" Bella asked him. "About riding on your back?"
"Sure," he said and chuckled. "We can give it a try if you want. If it's too scary, Emmett can carry you."
"I'd take care of her, bro," Emmett said, grinning.
"Rosalie?" Bella called out.
"Yes?" Rose asked, turning around.
"Was I adopted and don't know it? I feel like Jacob and Emmett are making custody arrangements over here," Bella joked. She was feeling lighthearted and excited about the unspoken alliance she could see forming between Jacob, Rose, and Emmett. If at the very least, she would get to keep her big brother and Rose in the long run, it was good enough for Bella. After suffering the loss of them all once, she was willing to take whatever she could keep. The front door clicked shut behind them as Edward silently followed them away from the house. A howl erupted from the treeline, announcing the pack's arrival. Jacob glanced at Bella nervously.
"Go on," she said. "Get your brothers. Emmett's got me." From the corner of her eye, she could see Edward grimace. He broke into a run, flashing far ahead of them. Unaffected as ever, Emmett laughed and scooped Bella up in his arms. Jacob sprinted toward the trees, anxiously leaving her behind.
"You ready, sis?" Emmett asked her.
"Yep!" Bella wrapped her arms around Emmett's neck and squeezed her eyes shut. "Run, big boy!"
Emmett barked out a laugh and flew dangerously through the trees. When they reached the clearing, he attempted to stand her up. Dizzy, Bella chuckled, wobbling. Emmett laughed as she began to tumble. He reached out to steady her, but Edward grabbed her quickly, growling at Emmett.
"Seriously, Emmett, be careful," Edward spat out. Emmett growled back at his once beloved brother, annoyed.
"Don't even start your shit," Rose said quietly.
"These young men are going to be our allies, Edward. Don't fuck it up," Jasper whispered cautiously, and Bella gasped in surprise. She turned to look where Jasper was standing and could see the line of wolves walking cautiously into the clearing. Only Jacob appeared remotely at ease, though he didn't look happy about Edward's hand possessively wrapped around Bella's waist.
"Thank you, Edward, but I am fine," Bella said cautiously and backed away from him slowly. She sat on the ground next to Esme and the others, watching as Jasper addressed the pack. He talked to them for a while about experiences with armies of newborns from his youth. The conversation eventually became a demonstration as the Cullens showed the pack members how to best use their inexperience against them. The pack remained phased in their wolf forms throughout the display, using Edward's telepathic abilities for translation. When all was said and done, the Cullens made plans to return for the next few evenings. The coven would be allowing the wolves to spar with them and become accustomed to discerning each of their scents. This was extremely important, as they would need to use all of their senses to take on the newborns. The wolves would need to locate their allies through smell in the heat of battle to better protect themselves. While the rest of the pack had stayed farther back, they watched in amusement as Jacob ran up to Bella. The Cullens, even Edward, watched as she wrapped her arms around the large wolf's neck. Suddenly Jacob ran his tongue up the side of her face. His laughter sounded more like coughing as Bella wiped off her face, groaning.
"Gross, Jake!" she laughed. When she looked up, the rest of her vampire family tried to hide their varying expressions of disgust and humor. "Ugh, I'm gonna need to wash my face."
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