These characters are not mine and all belong to Stephenie Meyer.

About this story: Nessie is canon with SM's books as well as my After Midnight Sun and Being Jacob Black stories. Chapter 1 takes place about nine and a half years after the confrontation with the Volturi, though the story will jump backwards in time at points.

IMPORTANT: I'm floating chapter 1 at this time to see if there's interest, but After Midnight Sun continues to be my priority. If there is interest, I'll pick this one up when AMS is finished.

Today of All Days (Jacob's POV)

Edward Cullen frowned at his daughter. She was late. Again. Though he was the mind reader, I knew what he was thinking: On today of all days...

I didn't look up at her as she squeezed to the front of the crowd across from me, but I sensed her presence. In my peripheral vision I could see the bronze hue of her hair, piled on top of her head in a large messy bun. She wore something black that made her skin glow, even in the dim light of the cloudy day. I couldn't make out her eyes and that was probably for the best.

Without even looking, I knew exactly how beautiful she would look today.

And I didn't look, because she probably didn't want me to. Even on today of all days.

Edward's hand, resting on my right shoulder, gave a small squeeze. He stood behind Bella just to the side of me. I knew he'd be holding her right hand. I held her left.

Seth and Leah mirrored them on my left side. I was glad Leah had come, despite... everything. So much so that it surprised me.

I couldn't see the rest of the Cullen's, but I knew they were here behind me. All except Rosalie who was very wise not to show her face here. Or anywhere else she might cross my path.

I didn't look across at my brothers and sisters. It was too risky. She might see and think I was looking at her.

I tried to focus on what Sam was saying, but it was impossible now. I hadn't seen her in nearly four months. Not since Christmas, and I'd had to act aloof then, too. They shouldn't have pressured her into allowing me there. It wasn't what she wanted.

Maybe I could just steal one glance. If I was sure she wouldn't see.

"Let's pray," Sam announced.

This was my chance.

"Heavenly father, we have come together to celebrate the life of one of your children..."

I slowly looked up.

Fuck.

She was looking at me, too. I was drowning in her chocolate brown eyes. Stuck even though I needed look away - that's what she wanted... right? But if that's what she wanted, why was she still looking back at me?

"...amen."

I sensed Edward's tension and glanced at him quickly. He was looking at her disapprovingly again, which probably meant I was getting my hopes up. She still didn't want me.

Bella gave my hand a little squeeze, somehow reading my mind as well as Edward had.

"Now we'll have one of Billy's closest friends come up and speak. Charlie?"

I felt a quick pat on my back and only then realized Charlie had been standing directly behind me the whole time.

He walked around Edward and Bella making his way to the front of the gathering of shape shifters, vampires, and humans who were, to varying degrees, in on the secret.

He cleared his throat and took a deep breath.

"Well... I guess we knew this day was coming, but," he paused to swallow, "I still cant believe it. My closest friend. Family. Billy was my brother. And Jacob," he looked up at me, "you are my son. If there's anything you need, kid, anything at all..."

I nodded. My too tight throat felt strangled by the top button of my dress shirt - knew I should have left it open. Thanks, Alice...

I felt all the hands on me tighten their hold.

Charlie sighed. "Billy was a good man. He provided for his family. He was a loving husband to Sarah. He did his best raising his two daughters, Rachel and Rebecca, even though he had absolutely no idea what he was doing."

The crowd chuckled and I heard my sister Rachel half laugh, half sob from where she stood with her husband, Paul.

"No idea, no idea at all. And then all of a sudden I'm taking care of my teenage daughter and he's giving me advice like he's an expert." Charlie chuckled.

"Sounds about right," Sam shouted among murmurs of agreement and tear-choked laughs.

I saw Bella smirk and heard Edward cough to hide a laugh. I was sure I didn't want to know.

I caught that, I complained. You could be a little more respectful. This is my father's funeral.

Edward gave my shoulder a quick pat.

Truly, though, I was glad to see it. Bella hadn't been too happy with Edward after what happened and I imagined he'd gotten a few days - or months - of silent treatment. I felt awful about that - he'd only been trying to help.

I tried to focus on Charlie's words but it wasn't long before I was thinking about her again.

I hadn't even noticed Charlie had rejoined the crowd when I saw it was the Sam up front again. I wondered how many other people, if any, had gone up to talk.

"Let's have a closing prayer," Sam said.

I looked up again, but this time her head was bowed and her eyes were closed. I sighed.

Long tables borrowed from the church had been set up in the yard behind Emily and Sam's house. It was a little risky, having the Cullen's in La Push. They hadn't aged in the nearly thirteen years since they'd first arrived to Forks. They'd moved on about five years ago only returning covertly to visit the area on occasion.

But they took the risk now. For me. Because I was family. And because there were very few La Push residents who weren't in on the secret at this point. The consequence of dozens of vampires descending on the Olympic Peninsula a decade prior was that nearly every household had a kid or spouse that turned into a giant wolf.

I chatted with nearly everyone. The Cullen's too, though only once they'd had a few minutes with the prodigal daughter. They missed her.

Bella continued to hover over Nessie, long after she probably wanted her to, though Ness would never admit that.

Of course Bella couldn't change. Yet it seemed the period of separation from her daughter had aged her somehow. Like the anxious lines between her eyebrows had petrified.

Yeah, I felt guilty about that, too.

"So," Emmett said, leaning against the low wall where I sat, away from the crowd. "What's your move?"

"There's no move, Emmett," I said, annoyed.

"You used to have a lot more fight in you," he taunted.

"This is different. You know that."

"You have to do exactly what she wants. I get that. But maybe she wants to be chased," Emmett said, raising his eyebrows.

"I'm usually better off when I don't assume what women want," I said, frowning. "Plus, she's made her feelings very clear."

"I don't know, Jakey. I do not know."

"Can you go away now?"

"Sure thing," Emmett said. "Just know, I'm rooting for you."

"Yeah, I know," I sighed.

Seth brought me a plate of food, taking Emmett's spot. He was a lot better at picking up on my moods and let me eat in silence.

Until he didn't.

"So, I saw she's here," Seth said.

"Yup," I said.

"And you don't want to talk about it?"

"Nope."

"Anything you want me to ask her?"

"Nope." That was a lie and he probably knew it. I had a million questions. But she wanted to live her life, so I would let her. Just as she wanted.

I saw Edward talking to Alice away from the house. He looked agitated so I had a feeling I wouldn't like some of the answers I wanted.

Leah was talking to Ness alone now. They weren't as close as they had been once, but it was still friendly between them. Leah knew my head pretty well. She'd probably ask some of my questions without seeking permission like Seth did.

Then I heard the most beautiful sound in the world. Her laugh.

It felt a little bit wrong. I was supposed to be grieving my dad today and all I could think about was her. Why had she even come?

I heard a shriek. "Uncle Jacob!"

"Sarah!" I scooped up my 5-year-old niece, Rebecca and Paul's girl, and held her up in the air above my head, spinning around once before I held her in my arms against my chest.

She giggled happily, but then her face fell.

"I'm sad about grandpa."

"I know, sweetie. Me too."

She looked at me closely, peering through her overgrown bangs. "Is that why you're eyes are all red?"

"Yup," I lied.

"It's gonna be okay," she said patting my collar.

I kissed the top of her head.

"Where's Auntie Nessie?"

"Um, she's - "

"I'm right here, baby girl!"

Nessie took several long strides before pulling Sarah from my arms. Her wrist grazed my hand. The sensation moved through my body like a cascade of dominos.

"Auntie Nessie!"

"Baby Sarah!" Nessie exclaimed back.

I could see now she wore a fancy black coat. The lace of a black skirt stuck out beneath it stopping a few inches above her knee and she wore high heel black boots. At five foot ten, the boots put her over six feet tall. Knowing Alice did her shopping, I could guess the outfit probably cost thousands of dollars. That stuff didn't bother Nessie the way it bothered her mom.

"Why don't you visit anymore?" Sarah asked, her lip stuck out in a pout.

Nessie playfully made the expression back before she answered. "I'm so sorry, little Sarah, but I live far away for school and it keeps me so busy."

"I thought you finished school," Sarah argued.

"I did. But now I'm doing more school so I can be a doctor like my Grandpa Carlisle."

"Can't you just be a police officer like your Grandpa Charlie and stay here?" Sarah asked.

"That's a fair question," I joked, immediately regretting it when I saw her tense.

"Nope. I want to be a doctor. Sorry, girly," she said, setting Sarah back on her feet.

"Imma go get pie," Sarah said, running off.

It was awkwardly silent with the little girl gone, but Nessie didn't leave. That seemed like a good sign.

"I... I was joking - about the Charlie thing. I swear - "

"No, I know," she reassured me. "I'm sorry. I overreacted."

I nodded and stared down at my feet.

"And I'm really sorry about Billy," she said, hesitantly patting my arm. "I really loved him. I should've come back to visit, near the end..."

"No, you need to focus on school. Billy understood that. He was really proud of you," I said, my voice breaking at the end.

"Oh, Jake," she really looked at me then, but I was still looking at my feet.

She sounded so much like Bella when she said that, though her voice was a touch deeper. Nessie didn't have as much of that nurturing side to her so it always surprised me when it came out.

"How are you, Jacob?"

"I'm doing well," I lied. "I mean a lot of the time I was with my dad, but I've been able to do a lot of good here around the reservation. You know, putting that engineering degree your parents made me get to good use."

She laughed. "My parents? You mean my dad."

I laughed, too. "Yeah, I do. But he was right to push me. And they've been very generous - both your parents, and the others, too. We were able to keep my dad at home, you know? Nurses twenty-four-seven. All the best medical equipment. Emmett got him a massive TV."

"Of course he did." Nessie smiled and though I only peaked at her for a moment, my heart skipped a beat.

She tensed again, hearing my reaction, and played with her left sleeve.

"So..." she said, "Are you - I mean, do you - do you date at all?"

I cleared my throat. I hadn't expected that.

I pursed my lips. I felt a little bit of the old anger coming on, but tried to push it back.

"No," I said. My tone wasn't exactly friendly.

"Oh," she said. "Because you were busy taking care of your dad?"

"Sure," I said.

She nodded, hearing what I wouldn't say.

"Why do you ask, Ness?" I asked, trying to keep the edge out of my voice.

"No reason," she said. She was a better liar than her mother, but that wasn't saying much. Plus I read her almost as good as her dad.

I looked at her, meeting her eyes for the first time since she'd started talking to me. That was a mistake.

"Fine...," she muttered after a moment, "there was a reason."

I held her eyes and she held mine.

"I'm dating," she admitted.

I couldn't be defensive when I looked into her eyes like this.

I chuckled. "So that's why you're dad looked so upset," I said lightly.

"Did he?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. "Oh, shit. I wonder what he heard."

Her reaction made me wonder, too.

"Better not let him hear you talking like that. He'll blame me," I said.

"I'd set him straight."

"That usually goes over well." I rolled my eyes, laughing once.

She abruptly put her hand to my face. I miss you, Jake. She remembered flashes of the old times. Hunting in the forest outside of Forks, me teaching her to drive, pranking Emmett.

She quickly pulled her hand back and I looked down at my shoes again.

Her gift had strengthened over the years. With practice and Zafrina's guidance she could have easily projected her thoughts over the small distance between us. She hadn't needed to touch me - so why had she?

"It doesn't have to be like this you know," I said quietly.

"Like what?" She asked, suspicious.

"Ness, I'll be whatever you want me to be. Right now I'm being the awkward family friend you make small talk with at funerals because that's all you want from me. But I could be your friend again. It could be like it was before we..."

"I don't know if it can," she whispered.

"You don't trust me? Set the boundary and I won't push it. I swear to you I won't."

"I did set a boundary and you're pushing it right now," she pointed out.

I sighed. "I miss you, too. I should go mingle more - I'm probably being rude."

I started to walk away, but turned back.

"Let me know if you ever need something. Anything at all and I'll be there."

"I know that, Jake. Thanks."

I didn't talk to her again. She left pretty quick after that. Bella said she had a test or something.

The party livened up a bit when the alcohol came out. Someone got a fire started.

I pulled up a chair and listened to everyone's stories about Billy.

I declined the several drinks I was offered. I couldn't bring myself to drink in front of the Cullen's. Particularly Edward. Despite our very complicated history he seemed to think I was good enough for his daughter and I wanted to live up to that.

Charlie sat across from me. Poor guy was so wasted he could barely sit up in his chair. He wasn't taking my dad's death well at all.

Charlie. Another person who would have gladly taken me as a son-in-law. I was glad it hadn't turned out that way. I wouldn't trade anything for the days I'd been allowed to have with Nessie. But I was starting to get concerned. What was it about me that made me a dad magnet and nothing more.

"I'll help you get him home," I heard Bella tell Sue. I watched Bella pick Charlie up and carry him to Sue's car.

Edward watched her, too, as he always did, but there was something else there.

What are you up to, bloodsucker? I asked. The slur had become more of a nickname, but I hadn't used it in a while.

He ignored me, watching after her still.

When the taillights had long disappeared, he started walking down the lane in the opposite direction of Emily's house. With his back to me, he gestured with his hand for me to follow.

Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

He didn't speak right away. I imagined he was waiting until we were out of earshot.

"How are you doing, Jacob?"

"You know how I'm doing."

"She shouldn't have come today."

I didn't know if I agreed or not.

"Today was about grieving your father and she made it about herself," he said. And then, more to himself, he muttered something about letting her spend too much time with Rosalie as a child. This is what he always said when he didn't approve of her behavior. In the past, sometimes it had been my name instead of Rosalie's.

But, while I'd happily blame Rosalie up and down for my unhappiness - and much of this was her fault - the problem was more nature than nurture. She'd inherited her parents' unique ability to sabotage their own happiness. She'd inherited her mother's stubbornness. Her father's arrogance, his tendency to overreact...

Edward sighed. "I know that. And I know you know I tried to counsel her against her decision. It's terribly frustrating watching her make my same mistakes."

"Maybe for her they're not mistakes," I disagreed.

"You know her as well as I do. You really believe the façade she's putting on?"

"She's unhappy?" I asked, concern bringing life into my voice for the first time.

"Of course." He looked at me confused.

"What are you talking about?"

"Jacob, I hate to intrude - "

"Sure you do."

"- but can I ask... when you two spoke privately earlier, what did she say to you about what she's been up to?"

"Why didn't you just listen if you were so curious?"

He listened now as I thought over the unpleasant conversation.

He frowned. "Dating?"

"Yup."

He looked confused again.

And now I was confused too. "Wait. Earlier when you were talking to Alice... you were upset about something."

"She's keeping interesting company. Our kind," he murmured.

I imagined her walking in the dark with some red-eyed devil and my hands shook, the heat passing along my spine.

"Do you know him?" My voice was tense, almost a growl.

"No," he said, sounding far away. "And there's more than one. Several."

I stopped, the vibrations passing too rapidly now. So I wasn't her type. But those murderers were? Some Cullen she was. Had she adopted their diet too?

"No, no. Jacob," he said quickly, looking straight into my eyes now. "That's why I'm confused. I think she was lying to you. She was feeding you an alibi because she knew I would come to you looking for answers when I saw those men in her head."

I thought back trying to remember our exact words now. "I'm dating." "So that's why you're dad looked so upset." "Did he?" The raised eyebrows. "Oh, shit. I wonder what he heard."

"You honestly didn't see through that?" Edward asked.

Well, I could now. Now that I wasn't thinking about the love of my life dating other men.

"Yes. She's good," he murmured appreciatively.

Right. Another inherited trait for my list - effective liar and manipulator.

He chuckled.

"What does Bella think?"

He started walking again, but didn't say anything.

More of this nonsense. The two of them carefully deciding what the other should or shouldn't know. Me somehow getting stuck in the middle of it. Maybe that was my problem. Maybe open communication in relationships wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Exactly what someone would want in their son-in-law but not in their partner...

"You're wrong. I don't think she'd change a thing about you." He paused before admitting, "Other than your open communication with me specifically, I suppose."

"What does Bella think?" I repeated, resisting his attempts to change the subject. I didn't like talking behind Bella's back - it hadn't gone well the last time - so he'd better have a good reason.

"Bella thinks I interfere too much."

"You do interfere too much." I turned to start heading back to Emily's and he followed suit.

"Yes, that's true. But, Jacob. I'm worried. I think Nessie's in trouble."

"Why?" I asked sharply, stopping abruptly to read his face.

"Why? Don't you want to know why she's hanging around with those men?"

"What exactly did you hear?" He'd gotten me all worked up and anxious now. Easily infecting me with his paranoia as usual.

"It's what I didn't hear," he said, annoyed now. "I can tell when someone's trying to keep something from me."

"So can I. What are you not telling me?" I demanded, angry tremors threatening again. "What is it you won't even tell Bella?"

He looked deeply apprehensive. Like he knew I'd loose it.

"Tell me," I snarled.

He took a step back.

"On her left wrist..." He looked disgusted, pained. "There were scars. Bite marks."

I threw myself away from him, exploding into a wolf as I went.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! Let me know in the reviews if you'd be interested in this continuing. As I mentioned at the top, After Midnight Sun is my priority, but I will pick this one up once I'm finished with AMS if there is interest.