Disclaimer: I am not familiar with native American death and burial traditions, and I know absolutely nothing about the Quileute culture. The ceremonial depictions in this chapter come straight from my imagination, and I am calling it creative license.

Chapter 10

Bella – Only Human – Christina Perri

Brady – Step Right Up – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Brady – Treat You Better – Shawn Mendez

BPOV

I was up before Jase the next morning. I could hear Charlie clanging pans on the stove, trying, and failing, to be quiet. I made a quick stop to the bathroom and grabbed my robe. The heavenly smell of coffee hit me as I tiptoed down the stairs. I peeked around the doorframe and smiled as I watched Charlie rummage through the fridge. The man couldn't cook worth beans, but he always could manage a simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and fried bacon. Charlie turned and smiled as he caught me spying on him.

"Sleep good last night, kid?"

"Yeah, it was nice to hear the rain against the window again." I didn't realize how much I had missed it. I reached around to grab a mug out of the overhead cupboard as Charlie started breaking eggs into a bowl. He grumbled an affirmative nod.

I wondered what the typical damp weather would have on their fishing schedule.

"So, what's the plan for today?" I said.

Charlie glanced sideways from his preparations and his eyebrows briefly went up. He knew exactly what I had been thinking.

"You seriously don't expect us back out if it starts raining, do you?" I really should know better than to ask. This was the Pacific Northwest, for heaven's sake. If you didn't do anything in the rain, you never did anything at all. Charlie cracked a smile.

"Don't worry yourself, mama. I've got rain gear stashed with the rest of the supplies. Jase will be fine." I smiled a bit myself. Charlie always called me "mama" when my protective side showed itself. I had finished half my mug when Jase bounded down the stairs all dressed and ready. Excitement gleamed in his eyes.

"When are we leaving Grandpa Charlie?" He was just a bit too loud. We both shushed him at the same time.

"Not too loud, Jase," Charlie said. "Believe me, you don't want to wake Grandma Sue before she's ready to get up. Remember that angry grizzly bear we watched on Animal Planet the last time you were here?" Charlie's face was serious.

"Uh huh." Jase's eyes got big.

"Well, Grandma Sue can growl big and loud, too."

"Watch it, dad, that comment could come back to bite you." I rolled my eyes. Jeesh.

"Will we see some bears today, Grandpa Charlie?" Jase was looking a bit hopeful. Charlie directed Jase into a chair and loaded his plate with breakfast. I poured his milk.

"No, Jase, I don't expect we will. Bears have enough sense to stay out of the rain." He looked over and winked at me.

Seth pulled up and ambled to the door loaded down with all his gear and tackle.

"Hey, guys, save any food for me?" His smile overtook his face as Charlie pointed to a plate loaded with eggs, bacon and toast. If they were lucky, Seth's appetite might hold out for a few hours.

"Hey, Bells, can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Um, okay. Finish first, though." After Seth licked the last remnants off his plate, we stood by the fireplace and his voice dropped to a near whisper.

"I feel you should know there is a very strong vampire odor around the house. I think it's good everyone will be out on the reservation today, but please be extra careful. I'll be sure to have one of the guys check it out before you come back."

"Thanks, Seth. I appreciate your concern." My suspicions were roused.

Finally ready to go, all three men pulled on their waiters, grabbed jackets and gear, and loaded into Seth's truck.

As I was finishing my second cup of coffee, Sue walked into the kitchen freshly showered and dressed. She smiled at me and poured her own cup.

"Good morning, Bella. Did you sleep well last night?"

Surprisingly, I did. I couldn't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep in my old room. I was warm and comfortable. Jase was always a heavy sleeper and could sleep anywhere. I smiled.

"I did, thanks."

"Glad to hear it. You know, I've been going over all we discussed last night, and I just wanted you to know that I didn't mean to upset you, if I did. I know how you value your privacy, and I just wanted to thank you for trusting me."

I was so thankful for this woman. She had been just as good for me as she had been for Charlie.

"I do trust you, Sue. It actually felt really good to be able to talk about it. Thanks for listening."

Sue's face stretched into a bright smile. "Ok, I feel better now." She quickly glanced around the countertops, eyeing the six pies we had cranked out the night before.

"Everything looks ready to go. We just need to take the salads out of the fridge and scrounge up some serving spoons."

I grabbed the first load and headed out the door. I would take my truck and Sue would drive her car, in case I needed to get Jase back early. I couldn't help the huge grin and giant intake of breath as I clambered into my beloved truck. Sure, it looked exactly the same, and I owed many thanks to Jake for keeping her running for me, but every time I climbed inside, it felt like freedom, good times, and coming home. Even the inside smelled exactly the same, like tobacco, peppermint, and even a bit like my dad. He would drive it around to keep her running, and borrowed it on occasion to help someone move, which was just fine with me.

It didn't take long before we had everything loaded. We had packed up some clean clothes for the guys. They would come straight from their fishing expedition and didn't want to smell like fish all day.

As I rolled out to the 101, I cranked down the stubborn window, and felt the rush of cool air swirl around the cab. Smiling, I settled down into the cracked leather seats, and reveled in the sweet pleasure of being home again.

I pulled in behind Sue's Taurus in front of Billy's ramshackle red house. It seemed much smaller with Jake and his kids running around the yard. Jake smiled as he loped towards me, and I waved a quick hello to Julie as she stepped onto the porch, waving and wiping her hands on a ratty dishtowel. Jake opened my door and I was enveloped in a tight hug.

"Just like old times, huh, Bells?"

Yeah, if only I didn't miss Billy's glaring absence. Usually it would have been him to greet me on the porch. Jake started grabbing bags and was in and out of the house faster than it took me to grab two of the pies from the back of Sue's car. We all made our way into the house and between all the hugs and greetings managed to get everything settled. The fridge was already bursting with cream pies and ice cream. Various cakes and plates of cookies and brownies lined the countertops. Jake feigned a broken hand after Julie slapped him away from a cookie plate. He didn't even have the grace to look ashamed.

Looking around the tiny kitchen and living spaces, I couldn't help the flood of memories that washed through me. It was always Billy that sat quietly by, ever the pillar of strength; his countenance reflecting sage wisdom. He had always enveloped me with warm acceptance and protection from life's cruel storms. His understanding and hospitality not only made me feel welcome, but a member of his family as well. The small house seemed cold and empty without his twinkling eyes and infectious smile. Not for the first time, I took note of how much Jake took after his dad.

It was understood that the dinner would take place at the Uley's and after the ceremony, everyone would come back to Billy's house for dessert. As I stepped onto the porch, my eye caught movement from the side of the yard. A large "for sale" sign was swaying in the breeze.

Julie herded her three children to her car and Jake hopped into the passenger side of my truck. My eyebrows shot up.

"You better get in the car with Julie. Doesn't she expect you to help with the kids?"

"She wants me to ride with you so we can have a few minutes to talk." I remembered the discussion I had with Sue in the kitchen the night before. My breath hitched.

"Wow, yeah, the vampire." It seemed so surreal to me that after living in New York and not having to worry about the supernatural, recent circumstances notwithstanding, I was just not used to this.

"Bells, I need to ask you. Do you have any idea who this intruder could be?" It never occurred to me that I might know.

"You're sure it's not any of the Cullens?" I asked, and immediately remembered Seth's concerns about the vampire scent around the yard. I couldn't think of any reason why it could be one of them, but what if?

"No, we're sure. The scent isn't something we've smelled before. This is definitely someone new."

"Jake, I honestly don't know any other vampires." My mind wandered for a moment. There were those distant "cousins" in Alaska Edward had once mentioned to me, and the vampire royalty in Italy. Why any of them would want to come here was beyond me.

"Well, that's good," Jake said, "because I really don't think I can hold the guys off on this one. He's been skirting the boundary for the last week, and after all the teasing, they're chomping at the bit, know what I mean?" His evil, smirking glare had me believing he was anxious for a few chomps himself.

"Just so you're aware, though, most of the pack is working in shifts," Jake continued. "We didn't want to postpone the sendoff and putting off a major holiday would have raised suspicion. I'll be checking in on their progress at times throughout the day."

"That's okay, and I really appreciate the heads up. Although, I'm worried about Charlie and Jase now." I must have had a panicked expression because Jake's eyes turned soft as he put his hand on my elbow.

"No need to worry, Bells, Seth's there. Besides, those disgusting bloodsuckers have a foul stench that can be smelled from miles away. He'll know to call for backup long before anything can get remotely close."

We turned up the Uley's driveway and I parked the truck along the curb behind a long line of vehicles. Jake turned my head and looked straight into my eyes.

"Really, Bells, it's all good. We're pros at this. You remember that Victoria chick, right?" How could I forget? I shuddered and nodded my head. His eyes hardened into black flint.

"That old bitch was tough, but if we could take her out, this new guy doesn't have a chance. Have some faith in us, okay?" He didn't wait for my reply before flinging his door open and jogging over to help Julie take the kids out of the car. I slid from my seat and went over to help Sue carry in the salads.

Victoria. If anything, there was one reason to be thankful today. Jake was right. They were made for this and worrying never got me anywhere. Still, I'd be more than glad when Charlie and Jase made it back safely.

The atmosphere surrounding the Uley's was that of organized chaos. The women had congregated in the kitchen. Emily was brandishing a wooden spoon, stirring thick gravy over the stove. The apron she wore barely stretched over her huge pregnant belly. She was gossiping with Leah, who was perched on a bar stool, sipping a wine cooler.

It was nothing short of a miracle when Leah had called Emily a few months prior. Emily had burst into tears, blamed her pregnancy hormones, and spent the next three hours confiding with her close cousin and best friend. Having become recently engaged, Leah felt the need to mend fences. Things between Leah and Sam were still a bit tense, and probably always would be.

I made my way over and deposited the salads on the countertop. I hugged a quick hello to Emily, being careful of her swollen midsection. She hugged me back, her wide smile covering most of the deep scar that ran through the side of her left eye and down to her mouth. It had become softer, less tight and angry over the years. The color had faded back somewhat as well; the bright red gash and stark white scar tissue had softened into the smooth planes of her light brown skin. It was easy to see the striking beauty she had been, and the pretty woman she still was, despite the deep line marring her face. She was happy and glowing with her pregnancy. Plus, with the cooking and hosting duties, she was in her element. I grabbed myself a wine cooler and hurried over to Leah where Sue was already admiring her ring.

I had never seen Leah happier. In fact, I didn't recall ever seeing Leah so much as smile. This beaming woman was bursting with happiness, and I could hardly wait to get to know this very different version of the angry, defiant young woman I had known.

"Okay, Bella," Leah narrowed her eyes and shot me a smirk, "I understand there's a gorgeous new man you've been running around with lately." The thought of Edward had immediately shot through my mind before I realized she was referring to David.

"Not just any man, from what I hear," Rebecca, Paul's wife interjected. She was bouncing a fussy infant on her lap. "I understand from very reliable sources that he's a hot doctor."

Here we go. I should have realized the rez's rumor mill would have been churning at warp speed before I arrived. The "reliable sources" obviously being Charlie, Jake and their big mouths. Of course, the blush crept up right on cue.

Kim, Jared's imprint, reached for Rebecca's baby and began bouncing him on her hip. She looked confused.

"Wait, is this the doctor that came over and had dinner with Sue and Charlie?"

What?

Sue and Julie glanced to the floor and Emily started stirring the gravy with purpose. All looked sheepish. Kim, realizing she had said something she shouldn't, was anxious to leave. Mumbling an excuse of putting the baby down for a nap, she backed away into a bedroom. I looked pointedly at each woman.

"Something's going on here, and one of you needs to tell me right now. Sue?" With an apology in her eyes, she looked up at me.

"Oh, Bella. I'm so sorry. Yes, David was here. He came by to introduce himself when he had the medical conference in Seattle last month." That didn't sound so bad.

"Why wouldn't he have told me?"

Sue closed her eyes in mortification. "He wanted to meet us and, well, he wanted to ask Charlie for his blessing. He had asked us not to say anything. It was supposed to be a surprise."

"Blessing? What do you mea….?" Oh. The cogs were turning, and the situation couldn't have been more awkward. David here in Forks? I just couldn't picture it. It was like two completely different times and worlds had collided. Sue stepped closer and put her hand on my arm.

"We met him in Port Angeles, Bella, and we all had dinner at that little Italian place."

Bella Italia? That restaurant would forever be associated with Edward. It was our place. It was the spot where my world had completely shifted, and my heart had been given and claimed. I was now officially in the Twilight Zone. Sue must have been alarmed at the look on my face. She talked quickly, trying to smooth things over.

"We really like him, Bella. He's a wonderful man, and we would be thrilled to welcome him to the family." She chuckled a bit. "Heavens, you should have seen how Charlie worked him over." I had witnessed Charlie in "cop mode" many times over the years. I could only imagine the interrogation he put David through. If anything, I knew Charlie could be thorough, so if David could pass muster, he was golden. David had not proposed, however, and I was completely unaware he was planning to. I wasn't ready for this. Just the thought sent a wave of anxiety through me.

"Take a drink, Bella, you look pale." I nodded and took a tiny sip.

We all finished admiring Leah's ring and she insisted we go out back so she could introduce me to her fiancée, Justin. The small backyard was in constant motion with children running around, and shoulder-to-shoulder men chatting and drinking beer. Everyone was there. All the pack guys, including a few I barely recognized, as well as wives, girlfriends and imprints. Quil and his imprint Claire, who was looking quite grown-up at nine years old, were organizing a game of hide-and-seek with the younger children. Jacob smiled and vacated his seat for Julie. She kissed his cheek and gave him an adoring grin.

"Hey, Bells, good to see you!" I nodded at Paul and Embry who had turned to wave at me. I gave them a quick hug and greeted everyone seated around the large patio fire pit. I pulled my cardigan a bit tighter around me. There was a bite in the November air. Of course, the guys all sat comfortably in their thin short-sleeve t-shirts.

Leah introduced me to Justin, and I had to hide my surprise. He wasn't at all what I had expected. He wasn't huge and intimidating like Leah's pack brothers; he was tall with a thin, wiry build. He greeted me with warm sparkling eyes and a sincere smile. He looked at Leah like she was an angel sent from heaven.

I contemplated the Leah I remembered from five years ago. She was angry with me and the entire world, it seemed, because of the curse that had changed her life and the many lives around her. She was hard and bitter over her broken engagement and strained family ties. She had left her home after Victoria had been dispatched and made her way to California, determined to find a new life. I had admired that Leah. In fact, it was the determination I saw in her that inspired me to take my own plunge and to go to school in Arizona. She didn't know it, but I actually owed her quite a bit.

I smiled and shook Justin's hand. I then hugged Leah and whispered my congratulations to her. Leah had certainly earned her happiness, and I was thrilled for her.

It took some time to work my way around and greet and give hugs to all my friends. I reacquainted myself with Jake's sisters and met Rebecca's husband, Moki. After offering my condolences to Rebecca on the loss of her father, Moki enlightened me about the delights of his native Hawaii. I was still determined to make it there someday.

Suddenly, Jake and his pack brothers all whipped their heads around to stare at the same spot along the tree line. High-pitched howls rang, echoing for miles around the cliffs and down to the beach.

Jake took off to the forest with Paul sprinting close behind. I could tell how desperately Jake had wanted to join his brothers on patrol, and despite his jovial mood had seemed a bit agitated. Appearances were still important, and it would be strange for him to not be present at his own father's sendoff.

There seemed to be a shift in the air as two partially dressed men and two very large boys emerged from the tree line, laughing, bumping chests and slapping each other on the backs in what seemed to be a celebration of sorts. Brady glanced over to me. His half-smirk seemed appraising and possessive. They all jumped up onto the back porch and into the rear of the house. Sam pulled Jake aside and the two of them started in what looked like a very serious discussion.

Sam disappeared into the house soon after only to reemerge ten minutes later wearing fresh clothes and just-showered hair. He approached me and asked if we could talk.

"Sure, Sam, no problem." I had a few questions for him, too. We walked to the back of the yard and he leaned against the side fence. I glanced up into his face and had an idea of where this conversation was headed. But first, I wanted answers to my own questions.

"It surprised me to see you on patrol, Sam. I was told you had retired from the pack. "A small, tense smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Semi-retired, Bella. Believe me, I would love nothing more than to be able to stop phasing and be free of this curse, but unfortunately, with two new pups to train, now is not the time. Jake is calling the shots now, you do know that, right?" I nodded my head.

"It looks like Jake won't need to take his shift today after all." Sam smirked. "We disposed of the bloodsucker." A wave of relief washed over me, and my knees felt like they were going to give out.

Sam must have misunderstood my reaction. He was quick to add, "Jake told me that you didn't know who this newcomer was. There's been word of a few unexplained disappearances in Seattle, plus the murder of Elder Littlesea's cousin, so we don't feel bad about dispatching him."

"Oh, no, Sam, you don't understand," I stammered, "Most vampires of, uh, that kind, aren't discriminatory. You were right to take him out, no telling how many more lives could have been lost." Sam slowly nodded his head and looked at the ground in contemplation.

"I gotta tell you, we did run across someone familiar. I think you might know who…" Brady took that moment to saunter up behind me. No matter how often I see it, I'll never get over how fast these boys grow. Just since Charlie and Sue's wedding, it looked as if Brady had grown half a foot. And gained about fifty pounds of muscle.

"It's so good to see you again, Bella," Brady half-whispered as he ran his hand down my shoulder. Whoa. It looked as if he gained about fifty pounds of confidence as well.

"Yeah, you too, Brady. Sam was just filling me in." I phrased it as a question and looked over to Sam.

"It was awesome!" Brady exclaimed in a burst of youthful enthusiasm. "After tracking that fu-, uh, bloodsucker for weeks, it felt so good to finally sink teeth into him! Oh, yeah, totally worth it."

Brady briefly paused and shook his head in disgust. "Those two new pups are too eager for their own good." His face became rigid and his dark eyes hardened. "Sam's right, though. We did come across someone familiar." Brady's stare seemed to cut right through me.

"We ran into one of your old friends, Bella. It was a Cullen."

I knew it.

A few hours after the wolf shift change, Charlie, Jase and Seth ambled out of the cruiser and into the Uley's home, proudly displaying their line of fish like the Heisman trophy. Of course, Jase was high on his excitement and as soon as he had changed his smelly clothes, was off and running through the backyard with Sam and Emily's twin boys. I had hoped he would burn off energy before we had to leave for the sendoff.

Charlie kissed Sue and inhaled the cooking aromas with a hungry look. Seth had to be shooed from the kitchen after attempting to steal a bowl of stuffing. The men made their way to the backyard where Quil passed cold beer to the newcomers. The wild fishing tales soon commenced.

I had tried, unsuccessfully, to push Sam and Brady's news to the back of my mind. So, a Cullen had come to Forks after all. I reminded myself that it could have been for any number of reasons. Property taxes, an appointment with lawyers, hell, maybe Alice desperately needed a purse and shoe combo she had inadvertently left in her closet. My gut, however, was telling me otherwise. Edward was here, and I knew it. But why?

Soon the call came from the kitchen that dinner was served, and it gave new meaning to the phrase, "the wolves descended." Every available surface, it seemed, was covered in platters, bowls and crockpots, piled high with holiday bounty. Brady ousted Alan Gorman from his seat next to me, claiming he had seniority. Alan, still riding his victory high, moved to where Mark had a few teenage girls - cousins of Paul, I think - under his hypnotic spell.

Conversation flowed easily between groups of adults and kids sitting and standing around. Brady leaned in close and as he inhaled his food, asked me questions about my life in New York. I tried to be polite and visit with everyone, but Brady was focused on me. Awkward.

Thankfully, Emily and Sue had thought to save plates for the few men on patrol, because after only a half hour, the only things gracing the tables were crumbs. Cleanup was quick, and soon everyone was grabbing hoodies and jackets. Jake pulled out a stack of blankets, claiming the beach would be cold and windy.

The beach was deserted, except for a roaring bonfire and three native men who looked to be preparing for the ceremony. Sam was unloading lawn chairs from the back of his truck. I found a seat on one of the old logs around the fire and pulled Jason to me. He settled on the pebbles at my feet. Brady, once again, had shooed away someone who had just sat next to me. I was going to have to talk to him about his rude behavior. Before I could say a word, however, one of the three men, the tallest, called everyone's attention. He introduced himself as the medicine man, or shaman to the Quileute and Makah tribes. He would be conducting the ceremony.

Primitive, but beautiful native drums appeared, and the older men began a low, rhythmic beat. The other two native men were wearing animal hide boots and swaths of loincloths wrapped around their midsections. Their chests were bare, but the most beautiful part of their costumes were the enormous black wool blankets they had stretched across their backs. They were decorated in intricate designs depicting animals of the land and sea. Tiny, snow-white buttons were sewn in swirling patterns around the animals. The stark white contrasted sharply with the pitch black of the wool.

The native participants began a slow chanting and the drumbeats picked up. The two costumed men soon added enormous masks and headdresses as they danced to the beat. The masks were carved to depict wolves. The large snouts were hinged, and the bottom jaw attached to strings so that the wolves' mouths could open and close, revealing rows of carved white teeth.

The beat and chanting increased with the tempo. The wolf-men chanted and danced to the drums' beat as the bonfire popped and crackled. The salt-encrusted driftwood flashed blue and green. The dancing slowly evolved from slow, halting steps to larger and bigger leaps, moving the performers into an energetic and animated swirl of movement as the chanting built higher. As the wolf-men continued, their masks became animated, howling, barking and snapping as their story progressed. Everyone was entranced in the magic that moved through the camp. Suddenly, the dancing and the beat stopped. The chanting climbed up to a crescendo, where it sharply cut out into a high howl. A wolf's howl.

It took everyone a minute to come back from the trance, but soon one of the tribal elders stood. He continued the ceremony by thanking everyone for attending and assuring Billy's friends and family that his spirit had indeed traveled to the forests and hunting grounds on the other side. Billy could only be happy now, hunting, fishing (he looked pointedly at Charlie, and a low chuckle rumbled through the group), and becoming reacquainted with friends and family that had passed before him, as well as the animal deity on which their tribe had been founded.

The shaman then retook his place at the front and began to retell the tribe's legends, some of which sounded familiar, and a few that did not. He had a gift for storytelling, because time hardly seemed to have passed when I had thought to check my watch and was surprised to see that a few hours had passed. The tribal elder ended on a light note and everyone began clearing the campsite, making their way to Billy's house. Brady helped me up and kept his hand on my lower back as we made our way. Everyone was still caught up in the wonderment and beauty of the ceremony. Once we were back at Billy's home, conversation flowed, and the desserts disappeared.

After I finished my pie, I snuck around the house and made my way around the driveway and up the road. It only took me a few minutes to spot in the distance the cliff I had contemplated jumping from only six years before. After the introspection from the ceremony, I had needed a few minutes to myself. I looked over to where the cliff met the sea. The slight wind had really picked up the waves. The violent roiling made me shudder. Had I actually intended on jumping into a similar churning maelstrom only a few years before? What had I been thinking? I recalled how I would have done anything to hold onto the tatters of Edward's memory. I was desperate to hear his voice and I did it in the only way I knew how, and I hadn't hesitated. Looking at the violence in the distance, I could only imagine Charlie's grief had Jake not shook me out of my madness. I thought about Jase doing something like that to me, and the shame of my carelessness hit me hard.

I spread my arms wide and let the wind gusts blow my face and hair. If I had only known then how full my life was now, I never would have been so flippant with danger. I certainly wouldn't have been so desperate to chase after what could never be. I felt so alive, and so grateful to be alive.

I heard the slight crunching of stones behind me, and I sighed. I had really needed these few minutes alone, but I had half-expected Brady to follow. I hated doing this, but I knew it was better to do it now than put it off. I did occasionally have to talk privately to students with over-zealous crushes. I didn't like hurting anyone, but the line of authority had to be drawn. Plus, it was awkward as hell. The attention was flattering, but I couldn't lead Brady on; there was no way he could have missed the rampant gossip. He had to know there was someone waiting for me back home.

I never dreamed I would be doing this to a friend and member of the pack, but there it was. I turned around and gave him a tentative smile and cleared my throat.

"Hi, Brady. Cold dusk tonight." Talking about the weather seemed a harmless place to start.

"It is." He inched closer and stood right next to me. I could feel the heat radiating off him. "Maybe we should get you back inside where it's warmer." I took a step away and looked up into his face. The confidence and small smile were disarming.

"Actually, Brady, I think we should stay out here for a few more minutes. We need to talk." We both moved to sit on a boulder off the side of the path.

"Brady, you have to understand that I do like you. You're a great guy, and the attention is flattering, but—"

"Bella, I think I know what you're going to say, and it doesn't change anything." This was going to be harder than I thought.

"Bella, I know I'm young and inexperienced. I get it. You're this incredible woman with a kid and a life, but don't underestimate me." He looked me in the eyes and suddenly became very intense.

"I've got a lot going for me. I'm out of school and working at Jake's mechanic shop, making a pretty good living. I'm already saving for a house and putting money away in a retirement account." I must have looked skeptical, because his pointed stare became even more intense.

"I know it's hard to believe a nineteen-year-old guy is already concerned about those things, Bella, but I'm serious about this. I know the long-distance thing can be an issue, but I've got that figured out, too. We'll text and Skype every day, and when the time is right, I'll move out to where you are. I'm the best mechanic at the garage besides Jake, and I know he'd give me a good reference. I can get a job anywhere. With new pups to round out the pack, I can pretty much leave any time after they're trained."

"Wow, you have put some thought into this, but Brady…"

"Yeah, I know you have a boyfriend now, but I know you can let him down easy. I look much older than nineteen, so no one will think anything of it."

I had to give it to him. His confidence was rock-solid. I swallowed hard. He was fiercely earnest, and knew I needed to pick my words carefully.

"Thank you, Brady. You are sweet, and if I were a bit younger, and didn't have the responsibilities I do, the situation might be different. But I think you understand why this wouldn't work."

"Is it the whole phasing thing, or the possibility of having kids who could phase someday be the problem? Because I've figured that out, too."

"I'm sure you have, but I've got to be straight-up with you, Brady. I think you're great, but, I'm sorry, I'm just not interested in you that way."

I hated having to do this. Even when I tried to be as kind as possible, there was always awkwardness. Glancing up, I expected to see hurt feelings, but instead got a full-on grin.

"That's okay, Bella. I understand your skepticism, and don't worry. I won't make things awkward, but I'm not completely giving up, either. He started jogging backward towards the house. "I know what I want, and I can be patient." With another bright smile, he turned and ran the rest of the way. I slid off the boulder and started back, too. I wondered how this seemingly straight-forward conversation had gone wrong.

Later, after the kitchen had been cleaned, and most everyone had left, Jake caught me sitting out on the porch. I was still reeling with David's little revelation, and I had contemplated sending him a text demanding to know why he didn't tell me he was coming to Forks. The situation had me off-kilter, and I was feeling like I had been caught up short. But I was also self-aware enough to realize that calming down before I confronted him would be for the best.

Jake smiled at my mood and sat down next to me. I thought about the ceremony and what it must have meant to him.

"I think this sendoff was as great as any could be," I said. "Billy will be sorely missed. How are you holding up, Jake?"

"You know, it wasn't as bad as I thought. I think everyone coming together to remember the good times helped. And yes, I miss him terribly."

"I noticed the 'for sale' sign. You sure you're okay letting this place go? You grew up here."

"Yeah, I'm sure. Life goes on, y'know? You let go of the things that no longer fill a purpose and move on to what does."

"Are we still talking about Billy's house?" Jake smiled and took my hand into his very large and warm one.

"I could never hide anything from you, could I? For someone that has a new relationship, you're supposed to over the moon, Bells, but I don't get that vibe from you." I sighed. Jake had always been able to see right through me. He had always been my rock. If anyone could give me some levity, it was him.

"I want very much for this new relationship to work out, Jake. I want to be David's wife and a good mother to the children I know he wants very much. I want to let go of all the mystical crap that seems to complicate my life and be happy and normal. Does that make sense?"

"I think so, but your life has never been normal, Bells. And I know for a fact that the happiest time of your life was when you were in the center of all the 'mystical crap.' I think 'normal' is different for everyone."

Jake suddenly got serious. "There is something I should tell you, Bella. Something I've never shared with you before."

He looked into my eyes and I could see the deep emotion in his somber, young face.

"Bella, you know I love Julie and our kids with every fiber of my soul."

"Yeah, I know that, Jake. If anyone deserves to be happy, it's definitely you." He gave me a small smile and squeezed my hand softly.

"You should also know, Bella, that I didn't imprint on Julie." He looked over to me and seemed to stare even deeper into me. "I actually imprinted on someone else."

"What?" I must have had a strange look, because he suddenly threw his head back and laughed.

"No, Bells, it isn't you!" That was a relief.

"That's big, Jake. Why didn't you tell me? Does Julie know? When did this happen?" He chuckled, and then squeezed my hand again.

"Calm down, Bells, yes, Julie knows. It actually happened shortly after we were married." He pulled in another deep breath and looked out toward the ocean. "I was in Tacoma taking care of some tribal business and was walking out of the Tribal Affairs Office. This woman had walked out behind me, and as I turned to hold open the door for her, she smiled at me and said, 'thank you.' That was it. The strongest pull in the universe instantaneously bound me to her. This woman I didn't know was the only thing I could see and the world around me ceased to exist. To say I was in shock was a complete understatement."

"Wow, Jake, what did you do?"

"I fought every instinct in me to follow her and forced myself to my truck as I watched her walk away. I sat there for over an hour and cried with my head on the steering wheel."

"I can't even imagine, Jake. That sounds awful."

"It was. Being in the minds of the other pack members, I've witnessed imprinting and the aftermath. For the most part, they've all been incredible, wonderful events and the guys have never been happier. Even Sam and Leah have eventually been able to overcome most of their issues and they're both happy with their mates now. Although, Leah hasn't imprinted, either, but still, she's never been more at peace." He looked down with a sad smile.

"I thought about our shifter nature and I came to a decision, Bella. I absolutely refused to believe that I had to leave the woman, who was, is, the woman of my dreams; the woman I choose to be with and instead pursue a stranger because some mystical power dictates that I must. Yes, I turn into a wolf and have the sacred responsibility of protecting my people from our natural enemies, but in this I have a choice."

"So, what did you do?"

"I drove home and immediately told Julie what happened. She said she'd understand if I had to leave her, but I refused. I reminded her of my commitment to her and our marriage and reaffirmed that it was she with whom I chose to be with. It is her, and only her I want. I won't lie, Bella. It was hard in the beginning. I had to fight my natural instincts to seek out this other woman. I physically ached to be with her, but I reminded myself that I wasn't an animal in this."

I couldn't help it. I chuckled and nudged his toe with mine.

"Really, Jake?" A smile crept across his face.

"Ok, you know what I mean. Yes, I am an animal, but my point is, I have a brain and a mind of my own. I am capable of rational thought, and it's my mind that rules the animal, the instincts. I can give in to the natural tendencies, or I can choose my own destiny. This life, Julie, my kids and my marriage is what I choose, Bella."

"That's amazing. I've seen the guys with their imprints, and I can't imagine any of them not being with one another. I can't begin to understand how hard that must be for you."

"Well, the urges have become easier to subdue with time and practice. I'm glad I held onto my marriage, because Julie is the woman for me. No telling what could have happened if I had gone the other way.

"There is a reason I'm telling you all this," Jake continued, "Destiny is all well and good, but the bottom line is you have a choice. Always. All I'm saying is to follow what you know is right for you and be happy." His smile was blinding. "Just be happy."

I tried to subtly blink away the moisture pooling in the corner of my eyes, but of course, he noticed. And he couldn't let it go. He smirked and bumped my shoulder.

"I noticed you and Brady were missing a while back. Anything you want to share?"

"Crap, Jake. I tried to let him down easy, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. He insists on trying to win me over. Or wear me down, most likely."

"Now, if Brady's tactic eventually works, he would be the better alternative." Jake bumped my shoulder again. "You know, wolf stamina is legendary."

Jase and I stumbled out of the truck and I all but had to carry him in. I knew he desperately needed to get to bed, but he still stunk like fish.

"Jase, honey, go right upstairs and get undressed. We're going to get you into a quick bath before bed."

"Aww, Bella. I'm tired." He emphasized the point by rubbing his grubby fists into his eyes. If it wasn't exhaustion, it would have been another excuse. Baths were not popular with Jase.

"No whining please, and I know. I promise we'll make it quick." I almost felt bad as I turned on the tub faucets and turned back into the bedroom. Jase was sitting on the floor with his shirt unbuttoned and half his pants still on. He was fighting to keep his eyes open. Chuckling, I pulled him up and finished the job.

"Grandma Sue has a surprise for you, Jase." That perked him up a bit.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I saw a new Superman squirt gun sitting on the bathroom counter."

"Cool!" He found his second wind. Grabbing a fresh pair of Batman underwear, he took off running. As he rounded the end of the bed, his toe caught a loose floorboard and he fell hard on his knee. I jumped up, expecting a loud, teary meltdown, but the promise of a new bath toy was a powerful deterrent. Barely acknowledging his scuffed toe, he made his way to the tub.

Shaking my head, I went back to the room to deal with the dirty clothes. As I bent down to pick up the loose floorboard, a shiny glint caught my eye. Bending down further to inspect the hole, my breath stopped. With a shaking hand, I slowly pulled out the contents: a shiny, silver CD in a jewel case, an envelope with long-expired plane tickets, and a stack of glossy photos. My knees finally did give out, and I landed on the bed in a heap.

"Hey, Bella, if you need to use the washer…" Sue stopped mid-sentence as she noticed my shocked stare. "What have you there?" She made her way to the bed and slowly pulled the photos from my hand. After a minute of looking through them, she put them down and took my hand.

"I take it you had no idea these were in there." I slowly shook my head.

"What are you going to do now?" She asked. I looked into her concerned face.

"Sue, would you mind helping Jase finish with his bath and into bed? There is someone I need to see, and I don't think I can put this off any longer."

She nodded, and I all but ran down the stairs, snagging my purse on the way. I backed out of the driveway, revving the truck's engine with purpose. I was going to get my answers, and I was going to get them now.

A/N: As I mentioned before, there are a few characters in this fic that are a bit OOC, and Jake is one of them. I like to think that with time, experience, and some maturity, he would acknowledge what it is he knows will make his best friend happy, and not begrudge her that happiness. His own relationship, after all, isn't of the "normal" variety either.