TWENTY-ONE

PRIORITY

JACOB

Learning about the baby was mind-blowing, I never expected Leah to have such news waiting for me. That little flutter of a heartbeat is a miracle, and has become the force that drives every thump of my own. It completes me in a way that I could have never imagined. Leah, our baby, me. A family of three. I'm still getting used to the idea that my life will never be the same again, and that I'm getting exactly what I so desperately wanted these last two months.

I wish that knowing that we'll always be together was enough to make Leah happy. She's been incredible since I've arrived, showering me with the love that she withheld when we were hiding our sexual relations from the packs and our parents. Seeing her smile and hearing her laugh again, have made me feel at peace for the first time since she left La Push.

But I can tell that Leah's in a fragile place, beyond the pregnancy. She's so uncertain of the future, and so many parts of her life are changing that she's purposely taking her time to ease into them all. It was hard for her to leave me and La Push, and knowing that she has to turn around and go right back sooner than intended, has been getting under her skin as well. The run-in she had with that fucking leech was proof enough that she can't risk being on her own. But she's not ready for going home yet, she needs more time than she has.

Observing this new woman that she's becoming, has shown that I can't rush her, but we have so much to talk through and decide upon together, so that we can start our new life together with a clean slate. And all I can do is be here for her and remind her that she can lean on me. She's not facing the future alone.

I'm anxious too, to say the least. Because part of Leah's problem is that neither of us are in a good financial position to care for this child right now. There's so much to set right in our lives – me more so than her, though. They both deserve a home and security that only I can provide, forcing me to man up in a whole new way.

A new weight has been placed on my shoulders, but it is not a burden. No, I wear it like a badge of honor. I've been a son, a brother, an alpha-chief, a lover…now a father, and someday, a husband. I intend to get it right. I won't let them down.

But in order to be fully present for my family, there's one person who's heart I could potentially break.

Only days ago I'd told Nessie that I was only a phone-call away. I had vowed to be a better imprinter to her. I was riddled with guilt over neglecting her need for a friend she could really talk to about her abnormal life. I promised myself I would be more active in her life so that I could keep a better eye on her journey to independence.

I figured I could handle it all: I could be a better friend to Nessie and a better boyfriend and partner to Leah. But now, everything's more complicated. With a baby on the way, my priorities have shifted even more towards Leah. Being with Leah again and knowing we're having a baby, my imprint doesn't sit like a heavy anchor in my chest anymore. I don't want to get my hopes up that it has been broken, but what if it is? I also don't want to hurt Nessie's feelings, or renege on my promises to her.

Just thinking about my obligations to her make me draw a deep breath.

Truthfully, I am ever grateful to Nessie for supporting my relationship with Leah, and for not using the imprint bond against me. I owe her so much because of that. But I honestly don't know how I'm going to find the time for Ness in my life now. I hate myself for even thinking that way, and the guilt prompts me to call her up. Honestly, I should have called sooner rather than just texted.

Nessie picks up on the second ring and her chirpy voice fills my ear. "JAKE! Hey! How's Hawaii?"

"Hey Ness! It's great." I smile, relieved that she's in a good mood. "The weather here is amazing, and the beaches make First Beach look like the ugly duckling."

Nessie chuckles. "I'd bet. So what's up? How's Leah?"

"She's good, she's great actually…uh, we're having a baby." Nessie gasps and goes silent on the line for a few moments, making me worried. "Ness, are you there?"

"Uh, yeah! Wow! That's some really big news! I'm happy for you guys. I actually get to be Auntie Nessie," she says semi-excitedly, failing to hide the shock that still echoes in her voice.

I chuckle at the thought of her acting like Alice because I know that she'd love to play aunt to my kid. "Thanks. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. It's been a huge shock."

"I can only imagine. This really is a surprise." Her emphasis and semi-somber tone make me worry. It's like she's forcing herself to be upbeat.

"Are you okay with it?" I ask, holding my breath.

"What? Why wouldn't I be, Jake? This is what you deserve. Are you okay?" she replies rather crisply, and I realize that I'm not the only one who finds this conversation suddenly uncomfortable.

"Yeah, I am, definitely. The timing might be a bit messed up, but that doesn't matter."

"You got what you wanted Jake, so I'll know you'll give it your all."

"Thanks Ness," I sigh. "Your support means the world to me."

"Why do you sound so forlorn, Jacob. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to give you an update, and wish you good luck with everything in Paris. Stay vigilant and safe."

"Oh. Thanks Jake. You know I will." Her tone drops, "But why does this feel like goodbye?"

I scratch the back of my head anxiously and take a deep breath, looking up to the sky. I hate shit like this. "It's not goodbye at all…I just have a lot on my plate."

"You promised you'd be there for me Jake, you know how much I'm hurting over everything with you and Luc and my mother."

A pang of guilt hits me right in the gut, like a heavy, booted foot. A good imprinter would have stayed longer in Paris until she no longer needed him. But I'd once again put my own desires first. My father would spit at my feet if he knew what I was up to.

"I don't mean to hurt you, by not being the imprinter I should be, Nessie. If there's one thing I need you to believe it's that. If we all lived together in one place, it would be so much easier, I wouldn't feel like I have to spread myself so thin…but it's just not possible."

"I know you want what's best for me, always. I can't blame you if you can't be what I need or want. It wouldn't be fair. I appreciate you not pretending Jake, even if it hurts sometimes. I'm trying to be what you need me to be too, you know. I'm learning how hard it is for you to let go and put me first in everything."

It's not her place to do what's best for me, is it? Her words leave a sour taste in my mouth, being just a bit too raw. But Nessie's an adult now, and our conversations are bound to change. I am slowly getting to know her at this stage in her life and I am constantly challenged to remember that she is not a kid. She has feelings too, she's part of this imprint, no matter how much I try to pretend that she is not affected by it.

"Look, Ness…" I start with a deep breath. "I don't want to put you in this position. I had no idea in Paris that I was going to be a father. This baby has become my top concern, and I've got to prioritize my life. I've got to find a job, and a new home for my family. There's a lot going on that I didn't tell you about…My father kinda banished me from the tribe for not cementing our imprint. Things aren't good between me and my pack. I'm not working. I've just got a lot of stuff to take care of."

Nessie inhales sharply, "Jacob! I thought we said no more secrets? Why didn't you tell me you were homeless?"

"Because I didn't want to burden you with that part."

"But it's because of me and you that it happened! I can talk to Chief Billy and explain my side of things."

"That's really kind of you Ness, and I may have to take you up on that offer sometime in the future."

"I'll do whatever I can to help," she promises.

"When the time comes. But the best help you can give me right now is to stay safe, Ness. I made a vow to always be there, and I am, but right now it can't be in the physical sense. Leah was attacked by a newborn vampire a few nights ago and it's a miracle she didn't lose the baby. So I can't leave her, she needs my protection. My wolf demands me to be in her presence. I hope you understand that I have to do what's best for her safety."

"Of course, and you should." She sighs heavily. "I will be fine, don't worry. I'm really sorry to hear about everything that's going on. I feel like such a spoiled brat now."

I chuckle. "I should have told you, I'm sorry too. I'm still getting used to this new stage in our relationship where we discuss adult stuff. And I'm not doing a very good job."

"You can talk to me, Jake. That's what this bond is between us, we support each other. So you've got to stop shutting me out of your life and treating me like a child. And I still need you there for me, even if it's not in person. We can help each other, can't we?"

"Yes," I sigh, knowing she's right. "Thank you, for putting up with me Ness. It means a lot. I hope you know I'll always love you, Bug."

"You too Jake, even though you won't stop calling me that. I really just want you to be happy."

"I will, I am. I never knew I could be this happy Ness," I laugh at my own sappiness. Finally saying the words out loud just make me want to burst. It's impossible to even put it all into a sentence.

"I can only hope that one day I know what that feels like," she responds with a wistful tone in her voice.

"You will, Ness. Everything in its own time." I feel weird because I don't know if she meant that comment specifically to imply that I'm never going to be the one to give her a family. But I decide not to ask because it is not something I want to apologize for.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Talk to you soon big head," she brushes it off with a chuckle.

"Sure."

When I hang up, I take a deep breath and smile at the sky. I feel great, I feel FREE and invincible for the first time in almost eight years. I know that Nessie will be alright managing our weakening imprint. The fact that she can be honest with me about how she's doing is important. For once I don't have to feel guilty that I'm denying her something that belongs to her. She's given me her blessing in spite of it all - So whatever emotions that may lie beneath the surface, prodded by the imprint, in time, I know they will fix themselves. Nobody said it would be easy for us to live separate lives, but I'm determined to see both of us win.

Now, the only person who has any hold on me is the woman carrying my son or daughter. And that's the way it should be. Leah's my partner and my mate and I'm done letting other people make her feel like she's anything less than that.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That afternoon, I mention casually to Leah that I called Renesmee. "We haven't talked about her since I got here, and I know it makes you uncomfortable but…I just thought you should know that she had a boyfriend in Paris. When the Volturi started calling she broke things off, but Bella found out, she basically ran the poor guy off."

"Wow! She had a boyfriend? Is she okay?" Leah asks, her face showing that she's both surprised and curious.

"She's having a harder time getting Bella and Rosalie to leave her alone. But I think she'll be okay. She's determined to live independently of them."

"She's braver than I thought," Leah admits grudgingly.

"She's a lot like you, Lee. She knows what she wants and she fights for it, for her truth."

Leah grimaces and then cracks a threatening smile. "That'll be the first and last time you compare me to your hybrid, Jacob. But thank you."

I laugh and readily agree, even though I'm also on alert in case she goes for my balls. "I meant it with good intentions. I just want you to know that she's not so bad honey. She supports us being together. She told both Bella and Blondie that there's nothing romantic for us, that she wants me to be with you. She's willing to tell Billy the same thing, so cut her some slack will ya?"

Leah bites her lip and then looks up at me with the most vulnerable expression, one that only ever shows itself when it comes to my imprint situation. "Do you think she really means it though?"

"Yeah, I do. I really do. She doesn't want to be like Claire or Emily. She wants us both to exercise our right to free will."

Leah shakes her head. "I want to believe it. I do, and it does give me a little comfort to know that she supports us, and stood up to her family. But I won't get my hopes all the way up because at the end of the day, you two are still bonded."

"But I told her everything Leah, she knows I choose you and she's doing her best to give me the space I need."

Leah cups my cheek with her hand. "I know. But just let me do this my way okay? For my own sanity, just let me take this one day at a time."

"Okay, I understand." I sigh, wishing there was a way that Leah could accept that Nessie isn't a bad person. She can't be blamed for the imprint any more than I can. Her family sucks, but she's not like them.

We're in the all clear, as clear as we'll ever be.

Leah steps away from me, her face now the picture of devastation which catches me off guard. "Try to understand things from MY point of view though: I just got you back Jake. It's going to take some time before I can feel secure about us. I don't think I could handle losing you again."

In an effort to sooth my mate, I rub my palms along her arms. "Leah, it'll be okay. I'm never leaving your side. And you never lost me. I was the one who lost you, remember?"

We haven't talked about what happened the day she skipped town and broke my heart, but I haven't forgotten at all.

"You can only say that now because she's apparently not interested in being with you. You didn't know things would turn out this way. A part of me honestly still can't believe that she was fine with everything."

"My heart was yours regardless Leah, you still don't get that do you? And yes, I SWEAR she was fine. She called imprinting an 'Old Wives' Tale' and I keep pissing her off by thinking of her as a kid."

Leah rolls her eyes. "But what did Bella have to say about all of this? Did you talk to her too?" she pronounces the name with as much venom as she can sink into it.

I scowl, already knowing that all I'm going to give is the truncated version. "Bella's upset naturally, and she's not ready to accept that I won't come back to the coven – nor will Nessie for the foreseeable future. But I laid it out clear for her, so I'm not really worried about her at all. She's way over there and I'm way over here, just like it should be."

For now I can only be optimistic that everything is going to work out for us.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next day I head out for lunch because my wolf is in need of red meat. I really don't want to spend the money, but since the beast can't run, I've got to pacify it however I can. I order three steaks, a side of mashed potatoes and some vegetables, along with a cold beer. It's expensive but the wolf needs a full stomach. I also order something for Leah, to keep my baby growing strong. I know she's been enjoying Becca's diet, but I'd prefer to know my pup has something a little heartier.

After lunch, I take Leah's meal and drop it off for her at the shop. When I come in, she's busy helping some tourists, so I stand by the counter and observe. Being apart for so long makes just watching her work feel like Christmas. The way she smiles and engages the customers, even they are taken by her beauty, that glow that is hard to miss. She's gorgeous.

After she rings up the sales, Leah turns to me with her sunny smile. "Something in that bag smells good, is that for me?"

"Yeap. I got you a steak, just how you like it."

"Hmmm, yum. Thank you sweetie." She places a kiss to my lips and it's hard for me not to pull her in for something more, but I respect that she's at work. Plus, I have to work hard to curb my insatiable appetite her body now that she's carrying our baby. A part of me says to leave her alone to nurture our child, but then her scent hits me when her hormones spike with her moods, and it's all over. The rational part of my brain fizzles in her heat, just like the first time I claimed her body. It still baffles me how the wolf could have an imprint and still go mad for Leah Clearwater too.

My Beta sits behind the counter and digs into her meal, while I just stand by and watch her with a goofy look on my face. I love feeling like I'm doing something right for her, for them. She notices and rolls her eyes, "Go make yourself useful, you goof. I've got some boxes to unpack for restocking the shelves."

"Yes ma'am. Whatever you want, I got it. Miss Kona shouldn't expect you to lift those boxes by yourself anyways."

"I can get her nephew to help."

"Oh really?" I immediately get annoyed at some other guy hanging around my girl and kid, but it only makes Leah laugh.

"He's like sixteen years old Jake, relax with the caveman attitude. You know I've only got eyes for one younger man, my big strong, Almighty Alpha," she grins with that cheeky look on her face, knowing that I hate when she teases me.

"Yeah well, don't you forget who's boss," I shoot right back, puffing out my chest a little, which makes her laugh.

I grab the boxes and bring them out to the store front, and take the initiative to break the seal and check out what's inside. It's nothing interesting, just towels and beach shit. It all seems so mundane and boring, I find it hard to believe that this makes Leah really happy, so I ask her what she'd rather do.

"Hmm, it's hard to say. I don't really know what I'd like to study if I had the chance. I guess what I like about this job is that it's simple, it's easy and safe enough. I don't have to overexert myself."

"Not like being a wolf."

"Exactly. It's much more relaxing than being on patrol."

I nod to show my understanding. With the baby coming I'd prefer her to do this too. The less stress and danger the wolf feels like she's in, the better.

"And of course, I get paid for doing much less." She jokes, but then clears her throat and gives me one of her commanding glares. "The day you came, you promised to tell me about what's going on with Seth. I was hoping we could talk about it now. Did he do something?"

I grimace and look back at her. "You sure you wanna do this now? Maybe we should wait til tonight when we can be alone in your room."

"I can't wait til then, the suspense is killing me. And it's OUR room, Jake."

I'm not surprised, she hates to wait for anything. I would know. "It's just, well, Seth and I didn't see eye to eye when everything about us came out. He pretty much said I'd ruined your life and would only do it to Nessie. And then Quil and Embry, they were just as disgusted with me for my choices."

Leah shakes her head and swallows her food, setting her fork down in the container. "I'm sorry about Seth. He has been a little difficult, a little more opinionated than usual - but it's only because he wants to protect me, and he really hates feeling like I don't trust him with the truth. Us keeping things a secret really pissed my family off."

"Yeah, I know. It pissed everyone off," I snort, thinking about the various confrontations I'd had before leaving La Push for Paris. "It's one thing to have my father disown me, but my own pack too? When I left La Push, I wasn't even speaking to anyone in either pack. I lost their respect, and everything I do hurts someone: them, you, my father, Nessie. I've reached the lowest point in my life, Lee. If it wasn't for you two, I don't know where I'd be right now."

"I know. I'm pretty sure I've lost what little respect they had for me too…but I don't regret any of it, Jake. I hope you know that," she tells me sadly, brushing a palm against her stomach.

I offer her a brief smile. "I know, me neither. I just wish it didn't have to be so complicated. No one should have to get hurt because we love each other. Especially not your brothers or Quil. I just want us all be a family again, but what if I can't repair things with them after all this?"

Leah's face changes and she gives me a sympathetic shake of her head. "I'm not sure what you could do, the pack is already under Sam's command."

"What?" I shoot up straight, my jaw dropping.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, I guess we were so caught up in our own world since you got here. But it's already happened, and most of them are being allowed to stop phasing, well, from the Uley pack that is. Our pack has to wait til next year, with the exception of Quil for obvious reasons."

"Shit. I didn't want them to have to deal with Sam, but I'm not surprised I guess, he's wanted to join packs for years and I refused to let him."

"You refused to fight him and take over, you mean," Leah reminds me with a smirk.

"You know why," I tell her with one of my own. She nods because she already knows that I don't want to fight my brother for power, no matter the state of our relationship, because I know what my wolf is capable of doing. I don't want to hurt Emily or Levi in the process.

"Did Seth say how they're doing?" I ask, wondering what things are like now back home.

"I think they're okay. Seth really hates being around Sam, because of me…and well, you know how overbearing he is. I'm glad that the Council is finally letting the pack phase out though."

"Yeah, that's really big, I'm shocked. I'm sure it won't be easy if Sam has any say though." The fact that life-altering decisions are being made about the pack without my involvement sets my teeth on edge, but I hide my ire from Leah. The Alpha in me wants to protect his pack, but what can I do? It was my choice to leave without seeing the Council, without consulting with the men I call my brothers. They owe me nothing.

"I think he's livid with Jared and Paul especially. They want to quit now and be at home with their families, which is totally understandable," Leah resumes eating with another huge bite of steak.

"He doesn't want to lose his two bitches. Good for them, though. I guess it would be prudent of me to get rid of him just so that everybody can breathe."

"I know you had your reasons, but as Alpha, I would have done that years ago," Leah snorts. Just picturing Sam receiving the beating of his life makes her happy.

"So why didn't you, since you're the Big Bad Beta anyways?" I tease.

"Well, I technically did what I could…remember? When you left?" she reminds me with a pout.

I sigh heavily. How could I have forgotten. "I'm sorry, you're right. And if I never thanked you properly, I hope you know that meant a lot to me that you kept our pack going."

"Well you brought me back all that cute stuff from the Ibiza market, so yeah, you thanked me." Leah offers a smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. I know because of the Cullens, this topic is touchy for her, and I know when to back off.

"So I guess we'll cross that bridge with the pack, when we get to it. We need to talk to Seth and Embry together, find out what's been going on with the merge. I feel like such a dick for letting my personal business get in the way of pack. I've really let them down by not checking in, regardless of if they want to talk to me or not." The thought of my brothers no longer sharing pack mind really eats at my gut. There's no way I can have my pack back without defeating Sam once and for all.

"Yeah, me too. I never even called Embry or Quil. I guess we both really messed up," Leah readily agrees with a heavy sigh. "But I worry about you more than myself."

"Why?"

"Because, the call of your land, of the pack, will catch up to you at some point because you're the True Alpha. You should be there for this."

I nod but I don't openly admit that it's been calling to me since the moment I left. "I been thinking… the baby changes everything, and having Ness on board will settle things with my father. Don't you think we can go home and start over there?" I ask hopefully, as I'm not ready to totally give up on having my whole family and my pack together again. As Alpha, it IS important to me. I still want my legacy to be clear of any stains, I want the Black name to be revered, in our tribal history, not scorned. I want to prove to my Dad that I am not a disgrace, and I want him to be a part of my child's life.

"I don't know Jake. I need more time okay? Please. At least until I get to a stage where I can't travel. If you need to go back at any point before then, it's okay with me."

I growl at the thought of leaving her unprotected. She knows it's not an option, but I say nothing. I decide to leave things on the table, and go for a walk to clear my head.

It's obvious that we've got to go back home sooner rather than later, not just for the baby, but for our family. I can tell by the look on Leah's face that she knows it too. I don't know how long she will dig her heels in about going back, but I know she'll do what's best for everyone, in the end. I just have to be patient.

Hi everyone, I will definitely be posting the rest of the chapters I have up to 34, which are done. I will try to get at least one more done to round off everything for each of the characters when inspiration strikes. But until then, makes no sense not posting what I do have, for you. Thank you to those who recently followed and favourited This, it means a lot to me to have you enjoy my story! I've got a funny, steamy one shot called Rivals if you're up for something else! Take care and stay safe!