Op - another chapter. I hope you enjoy it. Please review and talk to me about your thoughts. SM owns all.

(JPOV)

Christmas was quickly approaching. The surprise trip to Seattle had been just what Jacob had needed to find gifts for Billy, Rachel, and Charlie. Bella's gift was getting the finishing touches as Jacob carefully and frustratingly added the last tiny screw. With the hinges now attached to the hand-carved locket, Jacob slid it carefully onto the delicate gold chain he'd chosen in Seattle. The front of the mahogany-stained wooden locket bore a wolf next to a feminine human form. On the back, he had carefully engraved, "Most ardently." Jacob hoped the locket would one day hold the pictures of their children. For now, it would remain empty. Jacob carefully placed the locket into a small black jewelry box and set it next to a smaller but identical box he had kept hidden for over a month.

Billy had given Jacob Sarah's engagement ring for Bella, but he hadn't figured out how he wanted to go about it. He'd considered asking her on Thanksgiving. Jacob was glad he had not gone through with it when Charlie decided to surprise Sue. Their engagement was a memory Jacob would always cherish, as almost every person he'd loved had been together.

Jacob and Bella both worried about what they could possibly do for a gift for the Cullens. They had all been more than generous and had everything they wanted. What do you give people who have everything and need absolutely nothing except blood? In the end, Jacob went for a run with Emmett and admitted his worries about it. Emmett told him to suck it up, and that his genuine friendship was gift enough. Jacob called him a sap, and that was the end of it.

Charlie gave them the Christmas tree he'd bought the year before, and they set it up in the living room. The floor under the tree was already heavily cluttered with gifts. Jacob was afraid to see what it would look like on Sarah's first Christmas.

The Cullens were making plans to move to Port Angeles after Christmas. Though it was what they had all agreed upon, Jacob was disappointed for Emmett and Rose to leave. They could easily visit, with Port Angeles a mere two hours away, but Jacob would miss his daily runs with Emmett. Seth had been disappointed that Edward had left (he was the only one, it seemed. Even Carlisle was upset with him), and Jacob was trying to make more time for the kid. He was often quiet these days, which was a change for Seth. He had just turned fifteen and was still more than happy to be included now that he couldn't spend much time around friends his own age. Jacob worried that Seth was beginning to feel left behind. He remembered that loneliness, and he didn't want that for Seth. Jacob started to encourage coming to the house, and so Seth began to pop in randomly. He liked to chatter with Angela and would give Bella and Emily a hand with things. In return, they started teaching Seth how to cook. Sue was thrilled with it all, as she had been worried about Seth's self-esteem and loneliness. Despite his love for Charlie, he was still grieving for Harry, and the holidays were making it difficult to deal with.

Leah was also going through a tough time, though she refused to talk to anyone about it. She had, at least, seemed to be finally getting over Sam. Leah was much less hateful these days, even to Sam. Jacob suspected that she might be confiding in Bella some, though Bella never told him if she did. He certainly couldn't say anything when he knew Quil was up to something, too. Everyone had a right to privacy. As long as it didn't cause problems between him and Bella or the Pack, Jacob just wanted to mind his own damn business, help when he could, and leave well enough alone.

Angela and Embry being there all the time now had been an adjustment. The four of them all got along really well. Bella was already talking about how sad she was going to be when they found another place. Three weeks after moving in, Angela still hadn't been told everything about The Pack or The Cullens. She was observant as hell but never said anything about being suspicious of any off behavior.
It was as if she just thought everyone odd and didn't care in the least.
It finally clicked for Jacob one day that Angela reminded him of Charlie a great deal. Her easy friendship with Bella suddenly made more sense. Jacob hoped it meant that when Angela did discover everything, she would handle it well. He had no clue how soon they would find out.
Jacob turned at a knock on the workshop door, finding a grinning Emmett.
"Hey, come in, man," Jacob said, and Emmett walked over to the partially finished cradle he was making for Sarah.
"Bro, this is awesome," Emmett said, trailing his fingers along with the details Jacob had begun carving into the sides. He was creating a scene of the entire pack around the outside of the cradle. The legs would look like the base of pine trees when he was finished. Bella had yet to see it and happily respected waiting for the finished product.
"Think Bells will like it?" Jacob asked.
"Yeah, man. One of a kind, that's for sure. Is that Leah?" Emmett pointed out one of the finished wolves.
"Yeah, and Embry beside her. We'll all be on there when it's done," Jacob said, grinning. "She's going to be the most protected baby that ever lived, I think."
"By spirits and monsters alike, I'd reckon," Emmett said, chuckling. "Esme and Rose can't wait to meet her, that's for sure." He sighed.
Something's up.
"Have you guys settled on a new house yet?" Jacob asked.
"Yeah, they picked a house on the edge of P.A," Emmett said. "You know it's only about a twenty-minute run, right? We could still meet up and be fucking idiots once in a while."
Jacob laughed. "Good, I'm sure I'll take you up on that."
"How's Angie doing," Emmett asked.
"Adjusting. Hoping she can convince her mom to come here and see her for Christmas," Jacob said. Emmett rolled his eyes.
"I can't believe those people," he muttered.
"I can't think of a single reason I'd ever consider kicking Sarah out someday," Jacob said. "If I ever get that stupid, come kick my ass."
"Deal, dude," Emmett chuckled.
"So, did you just come by to say hey, or what?" Jacob asked. "Something buggin' you?"
Emmett smirked. "Something is, but I don't know if I even want to say anything," he said, shaking his head.
"Something bout The Pack or Bella?" Jacob asked cautiously.
"No, and I hope it doesn't affect you guys in any way, either," Emmett said. "Ed's got himself a new girl."
Jacob looked up at Emmett in surprise. "Another human?"
Emmett nodded slowly. "Another singer."
"God damn it," Jacob yelled, tossing his chisel across the room. "I thought singers were supposed to be rare?"
"That's how we've always understood it to be, but he's got a fucking nose for them or something. I don't understand it," Emmett admitted.
"Your brother is a menace, man," Jacob said, shaking his head. Again, Emmett nodded slowly.
This shit really bothers him, too.
"Hey, man," Jacob said, "you know his bullshit isn't your bullshit, right?"
"That's only true when you're an innocent bystander, man. Now that I know what he does, as long as he keeps doing this shit, I'm just as guilty. We all are," Emmett said.
"Well, it certainly didn't take him long to find someone," Jacob said. "I just hope he doesn't fuck her up as he did to Bells."
"That's what I'm worried about. This new girl kinda looks like her," Emmett admitted.
"Like Bella?" Jacob asked. "Really?"
"Yeah. Like, could be Bella's sister, almost," Emmett grumbled. "I think he's just trying to replace her, honestly. I hope this new girl runs. Fast."
"Me too, Em," Jacob said as he searched out the chisel he had thrown. He ended up showing Emmett the locket he had made for Bella. They began making plans to create a different one for Emmett to give Rose, though it would not be done before Christmas. After Emmett left, Jacob went inside to find Bella cooking supper while Angela folded laundry. Angela gave Jacob a wide grin and threw one of Bella's bras at his head.
"Thanks. Earmuffs," he said, leaving it draped across his head as he filled his coffee cup. When Embry walked in and started laughing, Bella snatched her bra, blushing, and buried it back into the laundry basket. Jacob leaned down to kiss her before sitting at the Island to watch her cook.
"How is the cradle coming?" Angela asked him.
"Good. Emmett was just here. Did he come in here?" Jacob asked.
"Nope, we didn't even know he was here," Bella said. "What was he up to?"
"Well, seeing as how it might be a possible issue at some point, I think he wanted to give us a heads up," Jacob said. Bella turned to him, her eyes darting between him and Angela worriedly.
"What's going on?" Embry asked hesitantly.
Might as well just spit it out. "Ed's got a new girlfriend," Jacob said.
Bella's spatula hit the floor. She quickly tossed it into the sink and grabbed a clean one from the utensil drawer. Angela looked up at Bella and scoffed.
"I feel sorry for whoever she is," Angela mumbled.
"You okay, Bells?" Jacob asked.
"I'm fine. I just feel bad for whoever this poor girl. I hope he doesn't fuck her head up," Bella said carefully.
Wait until she finds out the girl looks like her.
"Amen to that," Angela agreed, though she couldn't sense the dread that Bella was feeling now the way Jacob could. He got up to walk over to Bella, pulling her into a hug. Trembling, she leaned into him and took a deep breath.
"It's okay," Jacob soothed and kissed her forehead.
"He's gonna hurt her," Bella said. "We both know that."
"I know, honey," Jacob soothed. "We have to let his family deal with that."
"They're my family too, Jake," Bella said.
"They are, but he isn't," Jacob said. "You can't fix everything, baby." Bella looked up into his face and forced a smile at him.
"I love you," she said and stood on her toes to kiss him before going back to her tasks. She had just turned off the stove when a loud howl ripped through the air.
Shit. A leech? Now?
Angela gasped. What little color Bella had drained from her face as Jacob and Embry got up without a word and charged outside.
"Angie, stay in the house," Bella called out loudly as the door slammed behind Jacob. He and Embry ran for the treeline and phased.
Jacob was slammed as the pack mind hit him all at once.
There are three of them, Leah snarled.
They might just be trying to cross and move on, Sam said.
Well, we need to fucking make sure, Paul said, picking up his pace.
They came from the ocean side, Seth said. I caught the trail back behind Old Quil's.
How the hell did they get onto the Rez undetected anyway, Sam's voice boomed angrily.
I guess we'll find out when we find the bastards, Jacob snarled, chasing after the trail as fast as his legs could take him.

(BPOV)

"Angie, stay in the house," Bella called out as the door slammed behind Jacob. Angela stopped, turning to Bella wide-eyed.
"What the fuck are they doing? Are they crazy?" Angela screeched. "I've seen those wolves, Bella. You know I have. Ben and I told you about it. They're going to get mauled!"
"Angie," Bella said as she guided her back to the table, "They will be okay. They're used to this shit."
"Are you telling me those fucking things come up to the houses out here?" Angela asked, wide-eyed. "Like, often?"
"Sis!" Emmett shouted as he banged through the kitchen door. He was immediately relieved to see her and Angela at the table. "Okay. I heard them and turned around. I wanted to check on you guys." Emmett let out a deep breath.
"Jesus, Emmett, you're getting as protective as the boys," Angela said, chuckling, to Bella's relief. He grinned at her.
"Hey, I'm happy to play uncle for your kid, too," he winked at Angie and headed back out the door. A second later, he poked his head back in to yell, "Lock this door. We'll be back." Emmett left again, the screen door slamming behind him.
"So fucking loud," Bella grumbled as she got up to shut and lock the storm door.
Not like it would do any good against a vampire.
"Bella," Angela said seriously and Bella turned to look at her. "We need to talk. You know that, right?"
Bella sighed. "I know," she said and sat down. "What do you want to know?"
Angela chuckled. "Actually, I was going to talk to you about my eventual move, but now I'm curious."
Shit. Open mouth, insert foot, Bella.
Angela chuckled again, "Okay, Swan, what's with the worried face?"
"I, uh, thought you wanted to talk about the wolves," Bella said sheepishly. "What did you want to tell me?"
"Just that if Embry can't find his own place soon, or I can't find a job…" Angela said, frowning. "Bella, nobody wants to hire a pregnant girl around here."
"Tell me about it," Bella said. She had shitty luck with employment options as well. "I haven't had a job since Newton's closed. Everything we have is riding on this garage right now."
"Bella, I don't want to be a burden on you and Jacob. Or Embry, honestly," Angela said.
"You aren't. You belong here with us, Angie. I'm in no fucking hurry for you to leave," Bella admitted. "We'll figure things out. We will. If you are still here when Sarah gets here, I'll probably need some help. Feeding the guys won't stop just because I'll have a baby stuck to my titty."
Angela laughed. "Planning to breastfeed, are you?"
"I'd like to at least try. It's healthiest for her," Bella said, cupping her belly. "Some babies prefer formula, though, and that's fine, too. It would save us some money if I could pump, though. "
"You are really loving this whole mom thing, aren't you?" Angela asked her.
"It's crazy. I didn't want kids," Bella said. "Then I found out she existed, and suddenly nothing else mattered."
"I hope I start to feel the same way, eventually," Angela said, laughing. "I'm tired of barfing at three in the morning every morning. I feel like the fucking exorcist."
"I will never make or eat pea soup," Bella cackled.
"So," Angie said, "About these wolves?"
They both jumped as someone pounded at the door.
Bella stood to unlock the door, and half of the pack trudged inside. Angela's eyes grew big as she watched the large, shirtless men quickly fill the space.
"Angela," Quil said, grinning, and she stood to hug him. Angela was finally introduced to Jared and Paul.
"How's the bar coming," Bella asked Paul, who walked over to hug her.
"Not as fast as Jake, that's for sure," Paul said and lightly patted Bella's belly. He laughed, ducking away as she blushed and attempted to slap him. Paul darted to the opposite side of the room, only to get slapped upside the head by Sam. Sam winked at Bella, grinning.
"Thank you. Where's Jake?" Bella asked them.
"Chatting with his boyfriend," Jared said, pointing outside.
"Emmett's a good dude," Embry said. "He's been good to Angie, too."
"I like the guy. I just like fucking with Jake more," Jared said, chuckling.
"Not as much as Bells does," Paul muttered.
She walked over to slide the window open. "Jacob Ephriam, if you don't get in here and corral your fucking brothers …" Bella yelled out the window before slamming it shut. She sat on a barstool and huffed as they all laughed.
"Come on guys," Sam said, chuckling. He held the door open for them to go back outside.
"Embry where did your shirt go?" Angela asked, and Paul walked away laughing. Confused, she looked at Bella. "It's fucking December."
"Paul is our troublemaker. He's engaged to Jake's sister Rachel," Bella pointed out, "and Jared thinks everything Paul does is hilarious. You haven't met Jared's girlfriend Kim yet, but you will like her. She's really sweet."
"I remember Paul from the beach. He used to toss footballs with Mike," Angela said sadly.
Not in any mood for a Mike Newton discussion, Bella got up, grabbed a large bowl full of muffins on the counter, and carried it to the window. She slid it open and held the bowl out, rolling her eyes at Angela. She grinned a minute later as she pulled the empty bowl back and shut the window.
"They never stop eating," Angela said, shaking her head.
"Never," Bella agreed, chuckling.
"So what the hell is going on out there, Bella? A group of shirtless dudes chasing in the woods after wolves? That's kind of crazy," Angela said. "Embry said wolves were sacred to their tribe, so why the hell are they looking for it?"
"They're not looking for the wolves," Bella said. "The wolves were looking for something else."
"For what?" Angela asked.
Bella sighed and walked back to the window. She slid it open and hollered for Jake again. He jogged up to the window and leaned in to give her a quick kiss.
"It's time for the discussion," Bella said softly.
"Bells …" Jake hesitated, glancing at Angie. "You sure?"
"Now, Jacob," Bella said.
"Five minutes," he said and headed back toward his brothers.
"Bella, you're seriously worrying me," Angela said.
"Sweetie," Bella said as she began carrying dishes to the table, "The guys will be in here in a minute, and they are going to tell you some shit about the Tribe."
"Okay?" Angela said, chuckling.
"These are Tribal secrets, Ange. It's not my story to tell. It's theirs," Bella said as she set the rest of the dishes down. Angela got up to grab plates and silverware, sitting them around the table as they waited for Jacob and Embry to rejoin them.
Jacob started to fill his plate as soon as he sat down. When they all stared at him, he looked up around at the rest of them curiously. "What? I can talk and eat at the same time," he said, chuckling.
"Oh, we know," Embry said and sighed before turning toward Angie.
"I ...really hope you don't run from us all screaming when I tell you this shit," Embry said sadly.
"Seriously, Embry, it can't be that bad," Angela said, holding his hand. Bella began filling her plate, and Jacob chuckled at her.
"Sarah's hangry," she said, grinning. Embry chuckled, rolling his eyes as he turned back to Angela.
"So, some of the people in our tribe come from what are called spirit warriors," Embry explained. "According to our legends, one of the spirit warriors was betrayed. He had to inhabit the body of a wolf for a while. He and the wolf …" Embry hesitated as he searched for the right words. "Let's just say that he became a wolf that could change between human and wolf form."
"Like a werewolf?" Angela asked skeptically.
"Well, we thought that was what we were until we found out that it is more of a shapeshifter kind of thing," Embry said.
"We?" Angela asked.
"Yes, we," Jacob confirmed. "The Black, Uley, and Atera lines descend from three of these shapeshifters."
"You're saying your families come from supernatural creatures," Angela asked. "You're fucking with me, right?"
"No, Angie," Bella said seriously, looking Angela in the eye. "It's the truth."
"So what's the connection to the giant-assed wolves around here?" Angela asked.
"We are the wolves, Angie," Embry said softly. Angela let go of his hand and slid her seat back a bit.
"If you think this is funny, Embry Call," Angie said, standing.
"No, Angie, baby, listen," Embry said, standing with her. "Please, just …"
"Show me," Angela demanded angrily. "Right now."
"I told you she reminds me of Charlie," Jacob snickered to Bella. Angela glared at him.
"Don't fucking laugh at me, Jacob. I'm serious," she said, blinking back tears. Immediately saddened for her, Jacob stood and held his arms out to hug her. Angie backed away from him and Embry both.
"If you want me to believe this shit, fucking show me," Angie said firmly as a tear trailed down her cheek. Bella stood and walked to the door.
"Come on, Ange," Bella said solemnly, "Their wolves are too big to fit in my kitchen."
Angela yelled, "Are you fucking kidding me?" She huffed and stomped outside. Embry turned to go out the front door instead. Bella looked up at Jacob.
"He'll probably phase around the back of the house and come out here," Jacob said.
Angela had plopped angrily into a lawn chair. "Where the fuck is Embry?" she asked.
Jacob looked toward the back of the house and pointed as Embry's large wolf slowly stepped out for Angela to see him.
She screamed and sat completely still for a bit as she tried to calm down. Embry stepped closer, and Angie held her hand up for him to stop. He whined, his disappointment heartbreaking to witness. He wanted so badly for his imprint to love him for all that he was. Angela cried out as Bella walked over toward Embry.
"What the hell are you doing?" she screeched at Bella. Jacob gave Bella a grin, nodding for her to go on. Bella reached up and hugged Embry's neck as Angela gaped at them.
"I can't believe this shit. I'm losing my mind. This is a dream, right?" Angela asked, looking up at Jacob. He chuckled.
"Sorry, sweetie. Believe me, I wish it was a dream, too. None of us wanted this," he said softly.
"You're a wolf too?" Angela asked him, sadly.
"I am," he nodded.
Angela took a deep breath before looking back up at him. "Can I see?" She jumped at the coughing sound Embry made as he laughed. Bella was scratching Embry behind his ears as he laid at her feet.
"Are you going to scream again? I don't need people to think you're being murdered over here," Jacob teased.
"I will …try not to scream?" she said, cringing. Jacob laughed.
"I'll be right back. My wolf is bigger than Embry's, so please don't scream." He jogged past Embry and behind the house to phase. Jacob slowly walked out from behind the house, his russet fur shaggy from letting his hair grow. He laid down in the yard next to Embry. Angela stood up and slowly crept closer to them. Embry sat up and slapped his tail on the ground happily.
"Embry, are you wagging your tail at Angie?" Bella teased, laughing. He woofed and nudged her.
Angela stared at them both, speechless.
"Embry, maybe you should let her see you phase back," Bella suggested. He turned toward her, letting out a "Huh?" sound that sent her into hysterical laughter.
Angela couldn't help but grin at them, though she was still clearly fighting to stay calm. "I want to see, Em," she said.
Bella grinned and stepped over in front of Jacob. She turned her back, covering her eyes. Angela's gasp was nearly drowned out by the sound of breaking bone and popping sinew followed by the rustle of clothing. Bella opened her eyes as Embry silently walked over to Angela. Bella jumped at the sound of Jacob shifting back behind her. He chuckled at Angela's shocked face, hiding behind Bella as he yanked his shorts back on.
"I-I honestly don't know what to say," Angela said, looking around at them all. "I'm assuming there is more?"
Embry opened the door for her, and they headed back into the house. Jacob wrapped his arms around Bella and leaned down to kiss the side of her neck.
"Coulda went worse," Bella said, and he chuckled.
"I love you," Jacob said and sighed. "Let's go drop the rest of the bombshells." Bella grabbed his hand and followed him inside.

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