AN: Well that's another long one down, and we're getting closer to where I want to be. Just a reminder for those of you who read this one chapter at a time, it's still sunday at this point in the story. It's been a long day for Bella. :)

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Deadly Affection – Reimagined

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. I just make them do silly stuff.

Chapter 20: Welcome to the Club

Bella PoV

Jake waited patiently as we parked, and as I killed the engine, Alice's hand folded gently over mine.

''You shouldn't talk to him.'' She whispered, her eyes pleading. The notion that she wanted me not to speak with my friend rubbed me the wrong way, but with her visions gone she was probably just being extra cautious.

''He's my friend Alice. And I promised him an explanation.'' I said back, trying to make the empathy I felt for her situation clear. The sad smile I got in return made me want to side with her. To just start the car again, and leave. Jake wouldn't just be standing out here looking like he's about to freeze to death without care for how long it would take. He would have knocked on the door and spoken to Charlie, which means my dad was in on this. It was essentially a trap to get me to talk to him, even though I didn't actually have anything against it. But I would have liked a heads-up all the same.

''Are you sure?'' Alice asked quietly, searching my expression. The question was a good one, from the perspective of a freak telling her friend of what was wrong with her. But Jake was going to part of our world whether we like it or not. I pulled the key out gently, letting her hand fall off mine.

''He saw my eyes, down at the rez. And I can see that he will become a shifter. By being open and honest with him, I hope that will make it possible for him to trust us.'' I reasoned with her. Alice nodded in response, before we both stepped out of the car. She danced her way to my side and grabbed my hands before we stepped towards the shivering boy.

''Hey Jake.'' I greeted as we walked up to him, but he scooted back as soon as we got near. He was scared of me. It was a reasonable reaction I guess, with what he had seen. I don't know how I would have reacted, if our roles were reversed.

''Hello Bella. Oh and a Cullen. Of course, this is just getting better and better.'' He mumbled through his chattering teeth. I let my senses expand to encompass the immediate area, thinking he might actually be here as an ambush. But there were no wolves nearby, and Charlie was alone in the house.

''Are you okay Jake? You look like you're freezing. Do you want to come inside?'' I asked politely, though I had my suspicions he wasn't in his right mind at the moment. I peered at the little blue seed inside him, trying to note any difference from last time. I couldn't be sure, but it might be just a little bit bigger. The strange pulling sensation came to my mind again. It was... louder now. But I knew to resist it.

Words are spoken, but it sounds like I'm under water. There are tones, some sharper and some deeper, but I can't make them out. It feels... like danger. A weapon. But it's not ready. It's too soon. Pulling back makes my knees buckle, but Alice catches me effortlessly. Her eyes are searching, trying to figure out what just happened. But I'm more focused on the fact that the seed in Jake's chest is sentient. Or at least has some measure of awareness.

''I'm fine, just-'' Jake's words are cut off by coughing loudly. First just once, then a few more times. His hand comes up and he punches himself in the chest, as if that's going to help. I can see what really caused it. The seed is growing. Cracks form in it's shell, and tendrils are pushing out from it's core. And the surrounding area in his chest grows duller, as it absorbs his energy. Why in the world would it do that? And what caused it?

''Alice, has Carlisle ever said anything about how the shifters come about? Or what causes the change in particular?'' I ask her, with Jake now bending over in a fit of coughs.

''He's speculated that it's some sort of natural defense that triggers the change when there are vampires nearby. Both times they've moved here, the shifters has popped up shortly after.'' Alice responds, looking to Jake. ''Do you think that's what's happening?''

''The seed is stealing energy from his body to grow more rapidly.'' I said out loud, hating having to ask this right now. ''Could you try to leave for a bit? If only just to test the theory.''

Alice, to her credit, only nods before she takes off into the darkness. I would have to apologize for that later, but first I needed to check if it worked. There was still movement in there. But it slowed down, and his coughs with it. I walked up to his side and placed a hand on his back, rubbing it. I didn't really know why, it wouldn't do anything. I debated if I should try to push some energy into him, to see if that could help, but quickly decided against it. The bark in the tree I tried that on had been peeled off. I didn't want to do the same to Jake.

''Come on, we should go inside.'' I said to him, as he starts getting up. He doesn't flinch from the proximity, though he takes a look around to make sure Alice isn't around. Wait, since when was he taller than me? He had been shorter than me when I was down at his place, right?

I more or less herded him into the house, telling him we could talk up in my room. And while at first he protested, he didn't have much strength left to stop me. His aura seemed to grow back to it's usual luminescence by the time we were upstairs, so the test could only be called a success. I sent a text to Alice to explain that, and that I would call her when Jake's gone. But from the three plates Charlie had placed on the table downstairs, that would be a while.

''How do you feel? Any better?'' I asked Jake as he sat down at the end my bed. I could still see he was cold, simply by the color of his lips. So I went to my chair and grabbed the blanket I had bought yesterday, and tossed it to him. He started unfolding it immediately, and wrapped it around himself.

''It still hurts, but not as much now. What happened?'' He responded hoarsely. That was surely the question, wasn't it. How in hell did the seed do that?

''I don't actually know. I've got to talk to my dad for a minute. I'll be right back.'' I said with a gentle smile. He nodded and huddled the blanket closer.

Charlie was standing in the kitchen when I found him, just as he turned on the stove. I leaned against the doorframe and cleared my throat, with an accusatory look directed at him.

''What?'' He asked innocently. I just nodded my head up to the left, in the direction of my room. ''What?'' He asked again, this time with a little more force. Did he really not get it? Well it's not like he knows me and Jake are going to be on opposite sides in the future, but still.

''Was Jake the reason you called?'' I said to make the point clear. His mustache twitched as he scratched the back of his head. But he didn't look guilty.

''He said it had to be a secret, or else he would get in trouble.'' Charlie explained, though it left a lot more questions in it's wake. Why would it have to be a secret from me? Jake had come to see me, so why not.. Unless it had to be a secret from the Cullen's, which could probably explain his reaction to seeing Alice. Would it be ridiculous to presume he was the one that initiated the dinner plans as well? He would know they don't eat, if he knows they're vampires. Or maybe he was just suspicious, as he didn't react that poorly to seeing Alice. A more pressing question came to mind.

''And you let him stand outside in the cold? He's probably going to be sick from the looks of it. And how did he even get here?'' My voice was probably a little more hostile than it should have been. Charlie didn't have anything to do with that world, so I couldn't blame him for it.

''He refused to stay inside after I'd called you. And he wasn't very talkative to start with. I didn't want to assume, but I guessed it might have something to do with what happened a few weeks ago. And if so, I'm not going to butt in.'' Charlie said with an air of finality. He was right of course, though that wouldn't explain why he'd set a third plate. Unless that was just in hope it could be for some other reason. And really dad, did you think I'd ever hook up with my childhood friend like that?

''Next time just tell me. Please.'' I said trying to make nice, even though I felt a little angry. His demeanor softened up quickly, as he turned to the stove again.

''I will, Bells. And please tell Jacob he's welcome to dinner. Should be ready in about fifteen minutes.'' Dad said, taking a sip of his beer.

Frustration that the baggage I had brought with me from Phoenix was hurting my relationship with my dad almost made me want to curse out loud. It would have been cathartic at the very least. I had to push those thoughts out as I walked back up to my room, greeted by Jake literally shaking on top of my bed.

I rushed over to him and felt his forehead. He was burning with fever, and I could see why. While I had been downstairs, the seed had pressed tendrils further into his body. Several of them were going up to his neck at this point.

''Jake! Hang in there dude!'' I said, trying to think of what I could do. This wasn't something that could be sweated out, so covering him up more wouldn't help. How had I not seen this happening while I was downstairs. I was such a moron.

The seed needed energy, and it was draining it from his body. I could try to feed it some of my own, if only I knew that wouldn't hurt him. The cloak was corrosive, or something to that effect when I touched things, so if I pressed that into his body, there was no telling the damage it could cause. Even if it worked, then what? Would he turn into a giant wolf in my room? I hadn't even gotten to tell him anything yet!

The blue cloak didn't seem corrosive. And it would at least protect me. But what would the reaction of a shifter be to that? It didn't have the best result with vampires. With the way his energy was diminishing, I didn't know if I had time to figure it out. What I could control was where this happened, and who could see it.

So I focused on the calming presence of blue energy inside me, feeling it strengthen my body. ''We're going to have to go outside. Just hang in there.'' I said to him, grabbing his hand and putting it around my neck. He grunts as I pick him up, and I noticed just how warm his body was as it's pressed against me.

I take each step down the stairs with caution, not wanting to end up hurting either of us. Though from my gut feeling, I could have just jumped down without a care. Jake wasn't as sturdy at the moment.

''Dad! Call Billy.'' I ordered, not stopping on my trek towards the front door. Charlie comes jogging out of the kitchen as I get to it, and I turn to speak. ''I can't explain. But it's imperative that you do not come after us! Tell Billy to get here. And to bring one of his friends. He'll understand.'' With that, I yank the door open with a little too much force, and head out towards the forest behind the house.

For the first few seconds Charlie just stands there in surprise, but I see him pick out his phone before I round the corner. And while I'm careful to not go to far so that I wouldn't have lost sight of the house, I get surprised by how much further I can see. There are details to everything that I hadn't noticed before. The lines in the bark is visible, while before they were just a single light.

But that's for another time. Jake needs me right now. I place him down to the forest floor, leaning against a tree. The blanket is made a complete mess with twigs and debris sticking to it, but he holds onto it for dear life.

''Jake? Can you understand me?'' I ask him, trying to get him to focus on me. He mumbles something that I can't make out, but he keeps his eyes closed. It might be rude to do, but I smack his cheek once, being careful with the amount of force applied. He winces and blinks in response. ''Jake! Please, you need to listen to me!'' I yell at him, and he twitches from the sound.

''I-I'm s-s-so co-old.'' He whimpers through his chattering teeth. One of his eyes managed to focus on me, the other still closed. Man, this whole shifter thing is nasty.

''Listen. I'm going to help you. But you need to know what to expect, okay?'' I ask him, making sure he's paying attention. He nods in response, banging his head against the tree. ''You're turning into a giant wolf in a minute. And it will probably be quite a shock to your senses. But I'm here for you, okay?''

At this, both his eyes pop open. I don't find the time to explain anymore, with how dim his energy is becoming. So I force the blue cloak to emerge and press my right hand to his chest. His eyes positively bug out, but I can't focus on that. I have to be careful.

I narrow in on the seed, and get the impression of a wounded animal. It's desperately trying to defend itself, even though its effort is what's killing its host. I try to formulate my thoughts to make it recognize my presence. But that only makes it more desperate. Closing my eyes, I try to press my energy into Jake, only to see that it forcibly presses his clothes against his chest.

I should have trained more before doing this. I don't even know how this cloak works. And how to I supply energy to something that's inside another entity. Doubt racks my mind, before I notice some of it's tendrils darken. As if it's cannibalizing itself.

Please I think desperately to myself, trying once more to press my energy towards it once more. It seems to hurt Jake, as it forms a thin spike, tearing a hole through his clothes. I only stop when I see a drop of blood forming at its tip. I literally can't reach it without hurting Jake. So I flatten out the tip to where it's the size of my fist underneath his clothes. And I press once again, only to hear Jake start to wheeze.

What the fuck do I do. I can't reach it. I can't force it. Jake's energy is on par with the tree he's leaned against. But that gives me an idea. If I can't feed it, I can try to feed it directly to Jake. So I focus on the feeling of when I drain something, seeing in my mind what it does. And I try to press my energy into his.

There is resistance at first, before I can see specks of blue enter his orange aura. More and more, before I notice the blue turn color. At first it's barely there, then it starts to get brighter. Then blue turns to a shade of purple. Then violet. Then Pink. And slowly it gets to the same orange that makes up Jake. And his aura brightens up a bit. His shivering slows down, and his breathing seems to come more steadily.

But then most of the tendrils of the seed darkens.

I stop pressing energy into him, as I notice it stop. Then slowly, a new tendril pushes out from the center of the seed. It looks to be searching, pressing towards the new energy it found. Towards me. I stay completely still, as it starts going faster and faster. And then the tendril touches the layer of energy I'm pressing to Jake's chest.

There's a sting of pain unlike any I've felt before, running up my arm and into my chest. It makes me exhale in pain, before I start feeling like something is burrowing into me. The tendril is pushing against the flat surface. In a panic, I push back, inadvertently hurting Jake.

It seems to get that there is no purchase to be found, so it stops. And I try again, to press some energy into it, tentatively. The resulting tug surprised me, as energy is sucked out faster than I wanted. I react by trying to tug back, and it seems to settle with what I'm giving it.

The blue tendrils all over Jake's body begins glowing again, and is spreading out faster than before. Some starts to head down towards his gut, while those in his neck continues their journey up to his brain. I only hope this won't permanently affect his personality, or worse.

Minutes pass, and Jake seems to have fallen asleep. At least he doesn't look to be in pain. The amount of energy it has consumed from me is substantial, though not enough to make me drop the cloak yet. The tendrils seem to have forced its way into every part of his body now, all the way down to his toes. It's kind of fascinating to watch. Almost like seeing a diagram of blood vessels inside a living person. I start to wonder just how long this is going to take, as it stops draining me.

I stand up and out of the way, expecting... anything really. I knew what he'd turn into, but I didn't know how it was going to happen. What I didn't expect was for his entire body to seize up, as the tendrils burst out hundreds of smaller tendrils everywhere, invading every part of his body. The blue glow turns brighter, as it absorbs all the orange energy left in him. It turns to a similar shade of icy blue that Sam had, just a few notches darker.

Then Jake started shaking violently, before with a pop, there was a giant russet wolf in his stead. All his clothes, and my fucking blanket, were torn to shreds and tossed to the wind. But he didn't move from his position, lying on his back with four furry feet in the air. And his neck seemed awkwardly angled, pressing against the tree.

Several seconds passed, and I didn't dare move a muscle. Then with a strangled huff, he rolled to the side, towards me. This let his head stretch out, and he started breathing. Or more like snoring. The silly fucker was asleep. I half wanted to go over and kick him. The other half wanted to snuggle the giant puppy.

I took stock of the surroundings, making sure we were alone. Charlie was currently sitting in the kitchen, the dinner seemingly done. But he wasn't eating. He was probably not happy. For several reasons, and I couldn't blame him for any of them. There was no other people outside of the neighbors further down the street. Billy hadn't gotten here yet. There was still time.

So I powered back down, letting the cold pressure fade away again into nothing. ''Jake?'' I said aloud, trying to wake him up. I don't think standing very close would be a good idea. It would probably be confusing enough as it is, to come to terms with what he's become. ''Jake!'' I called again, louder this time. Finally he stirred, his eyes blinking a few times, before they actually opened.

His front legs fumbled against the ground, as he tried to get up, before he fumbled and fell back to his side. Some sort of vocalization came from his muzzle, probably speech that couldn't formulate in this form. The poor boy had no idea what happened.

''It's okay Jake. I'm here.'' I said to him, and his left ear turned in my direction. Not long after, his entire gigantic head followed it, and sleepy eyes stared at me. I struggled to not laugh at the scene, but when he started trying to speak again, I just lost it. He seemed to have heard himself, as he went cross eyed, trying to look down at his now giant muzzle. ''It's okay Jake. You're a giant wolf now. Just take it slow, and get a feel for your new body.'' I managed to squeeze out between bursts of laughter.

He peered around at his body then, and seemingly surprised, started stumbling backwards as he panicked. It was bound to happen, no matter what I said or did. So I just let him take it at his own pace. Eventually he got to all four of his new feet, only to try to take a step forward with one paw, and not the corresponding one on the hind set. Which ended up with him splayed out on the ground.

There, on his stomach, he turned his giant head to me and just stared. Not that I didn't deserve the deadpan stare with how I was howling with laughter. I was having trouble staying on my feet at the moment myself. He tilted his head side to side while making some weird vocalization. Almost like he was mocking my laughter.

''I'm sorry. I real-ly sh-ouldn't laugh.'' I admit, struggling to stop. Eventually I manage to calm down enough. ''Can you understand me?'' I asked him, not knowing how this all worked. Was his mind changed to the point while being a giant wolf, to where he wouldn't understand me?

He tried to say something first, but it only came out as yips and growls. He seemed to realize the problem himself though, and shortly after he just nodded. ''Okay, so first things first. Your dad is on the way, hopefully with another shifter. I don't know much about what you are, so I'm hoping whoever comes is able to help you deal with your furry issue.'' I said, and I can see him get distressed and look around. ''Jake. Eyes on me buddy.'' The giant brown eyes are similar to his human ones, with one difference. There's a shard of blue in the iris of his right eye. Didn't know he had heterochromia. Or maybe it has something to do with what he is, who knows.

''Good. Now for some context. In case you hadn't already figured out, we're part of the supernatural world. Welcome to the club.'' Jake huffs in response, mumbling some inane noises to himself. ''The Cullen's are... Well they're vampires that feed on animals. I still don't know what I am. I manipulate energy, and harness it to do crazy shit.'' I say, and to demonstrate I let the red cloak envelop my hand briefly. ''And you're a shape-shifter. With me so far?'' Again, Jake nods. Seems kinda odd he'd take this information in so easily. Was he still in a state of shock? Or was that just a trait common to supernaturals?

''There is a pact between they Cullen's, and the other shifters down at the rez. Which now includes me, as the Cullen's took me in. And before you judge me for siding with vampires, know that your friends wanted to kill me.'' I said, waiting to see his reaction. That has to cause something, right?

It took a few seconds, but the response was undeniable, as he shot up to his feet and growled and yipped. I held up my hands to calm him down. ''It's nice to know you care Jake. Really.'' He doesn't seem to want to still, before he turns his head up to the side. I see it also, as another wolf enters the range of my vision, prowling. He's not going fast, and the reason is probably because he's following something. Protecting Billy most likely. Speaking of the devil, there he comes, in a car I haven't seen before, with another man I do not recognize.

''They're here. Look, according to the pact, you're not supposed to come here. But I'll make an exception for you, okay? I still want to be your friend. And if there is anything you want to talk about, or even if you just want to hang, you know where to find me.'' I said with conviction, walking up to him. He seemed wary when I approached, eyeing my hands when I put them out to his muzzle. But he didn't move when I hugged him.

''Now go find the other giant ass wolf. He's over there.'' I said with mirth, pointing in the direction where I saw the other shifter. Jake seems to stumble and forget which legs to move with which at first. But after ten or so steps, it seems to make sense to him, and he's off.

I really wanted to help him figure out how to turn back into a human. That way we could actually talk a little about what happened, instead of me talking at him. Not that I wanted to take away from him the experience of trying out his new body. Though running on all fours would probably be a hassle at first. And I on the other hand, have to prepare to talk with Billy again. And my dad. Oh joy.

Billy and the other guy were arguing in the car as I came out of the woods. From the pointing towards the house, and the almost hostile look on the senior Black, I'd throw in a guess to say he didn't want to go talk to my dad. What the hell went down between them? I noticed that Charlie was actually looking at them from behind the curtains. I also noted the dark mass on his hip.

Billy caught sight of me just before I knocked on their window, and reacted in the way of scowling. The other guy nearly jumped in his seat when I did. Only when he turned around did I see a problem in my strategy. His gray hair should have tipped me off that he wasn't a young man, though I had thought nothing of it. He looked familiar somehow, but I couldn't place it.

Billy's eyes didn't leave me as he spoke quietly to his companion. The unknown man's brows rose in confusion, looking a bit disheveled. But not move was made to try to communicate with me. And it was seriously getting on my nerves. The scowl on my face probably didn't help matters, as I motioned a circular movement with my hand. A few seconds later, in which Billy looked angry with the other dude for doing it, the window opened. But only a gap of a few centimeters.

I so badly wanted to just flip their car into the ditch.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I tried counting to ten in my head. I had invited them. Because I wanted to be friendly. Why did they have to be assholes. I forcibly tried to pull the anger from my face, using both hands. Looking to the old dude I didn't know, I tried my best to look amicable.

''Is this your car?'' I asked him, barely hiding the malice in my voice. Somehow, I think if I hadn't been having such a good day before all this started, my eyes would probably have been burning red.

The guy looked confused at first, looking to Billy. When he turned back, he finally answered. ''Yes.'' Should have expected it, I guess. I did have Billy's old truck. Though I'd never disparage the champ for such a reason. Poor thing couldn't control who owned it before me.

''Then I apologize in advance. And please remove your hand from the crank.'' I said, gritting my teeth all the while. As his left hand came up into view, I acted. Pushing my fingers into the crack of the window, I pressed down on the window. And with the sound of the crank spinning wildly, it descended.

I pushed it all the way down, and did not stop until the car started tilting, just for good measure.

''Now. Where were we?'' I asked in a sickly sweet tone. My eyes were fixed on Billy, who had taken to looking angry at the turn of events. And it made me feel like not giving the old shit the time of day. Who the fuck was he, getting angry?

So I looked to the older man, and felt slightly guilty for scaring him. I took a second to breathe, before I held out my hand. ''I don't believe we've been introduced. Isabella Swan.'' I said with less anger than before, waiting for him to shake.

Somehow he manages to shut his mouth, which had been hanging open for the past ten seconds. And after an internal debate, he tentatively stretches out his hand to mine. ''Harry Clearwater. We've met, many years ago.'' His voice is deep and rich. And it clicks for me.

''Leah's dad? I thought I recognized you.'' I responded, remembering the older girl from way back in the day. A smile grazed my lips, remembering those days down at the beach. It seemed like eons ago now. ''How is your daughter? Still the biggest menace in La Push?'' I tried to joke to lift the mood.

It didn't get the response I wanted. Although that was not unexpected with how I acted, I guess. ''She's... fine.'' He said stiffly, looking to Billy again. With a sigh, I did the same. The anger was still there, and I wanted to smack it off of the fool.

''Can we speak freely?'' I asked, nodding my head in the direction of Harry. All things considered, he shouldn't have come here with someone that wasn't in the know. But I can't account for what this fool does, it seems.

''Harry is on the council. He knows what's going on.'' Billy answered tersely, his voice rough. It was almost as if he was worried about something. Cute.

''So you also told him how Sam wanted to murder me, on the off chance that I might be dangerous?'' I asked Harry with a pointed look. The narrowing of his eyes confuse me at first.

''What I heard is that you said you are dangerous. And that you don't know how to control yourself.'' Harry responded. I thought back to that evening, trying to remember what I had said. And I don't recall saying that I don't know how to control myself. Unless Sam inferred that from me saying I felt like I was in a trance. Which wasn't completely false.

''Give me one example of someone that's supernatural, but not dangerous.'' I challenged them, only to see Harry flinch ever so slightly. Billy's eyes just flicked to him, as if my seeing that reaction was somehow betraying information they shouldn't have shared. Really dude?

''I still don't know the full extent of what I can do. And there are instances where I feel unable to control myself. But again, give me an example of someone that doesn't ever loose it. Human or supernatural.'' The question had more shades to it than the previous. But I would bet there isn't a single person, alive or dead, that hasn't ever been so pissed off that they did something they came to regret. Or at least wanted to.

Again, there was no response to my question, which I regarded with some satisfaction. It probably wouldn't change their minds on my situation on it's own, but one could hope. ''If nothing else, take the fact that I saved Jake's life today as a sign of good will on my part.'' It surprised me, the anger that came to Billy's face as I said this. His entire face twisted from it.

''Saved?! How can you claim to have saved his life, when you kidnapped and are holding him hostage!?'' He shouted, his entire face turning red from exertion. I was a bit dumbfounded by the accusation at first, and it didn't quite compute. But when it did, all I wanted to do was to slap some sense into the fucker. That or intentionally face-plant into the hood of the truck.

Before he had the chance to reignite those pipes, I responded in a calm, yet demeaning way. ''I didn't kidnap anyone. All I did was help him survive his furry problem.'' It didn't help calm the silly coot down of course, and he seemed set to start shouting again when Harry held up his hand in front of him.

''Our people have become werewolves for generations. Never have we had anyone die from the change.'' The wiser of two said, though it felt more like a question for me to elaborate. Perhaps he wasn't as closed-minded as Billy at the very least.

I felt inclined to oblige him, as it was a valid question. Not that I would share anything the shifters could use against me. Whether any of them would believe it was another thing, but I could at least explain my side of the story. ''The symptoms was like that of a fever, though extremely pronounced to what I am familiar with. At first I just thought he'd been outside for too long, but it only got worse when Alice got close. She was driving me home from their place-'' I started explaining to them both, before Billy once again erupted.

''You better keep those filthy leeches away from my Jacob!'' He shouted till his voice gave out. I'd need an Advil and a nap if he kept up like that for much longer.

I ignored further insults and inane drivel running from his mouth and kept going. ''As I was saying, Alice drove me home as I had been at their place today. And I noticed that it affected him when she got close, so I sent her home.'' Billy started coughing from his sore throat, which stopped his tirade short, and I smiled tauntingly at his misery. ''Part of what I can do, is see energy. Like in an extra-sensory way. It looked like a seed, beside his heart. And it started growing when Alice was close, stealing energy from Jake. It slowed down when Alice left, and I thought that was that. So I took him inside because I wanted to speak with him. He had seen my eyes that day down at the rez, so I was going to explain to him what I was, because he's my friend.'' Again, I was interrupted.

''Jacob isn't frie-.'' Billy started, before violently coughing again. ''No-.'' Once more he was interrupted by his need to cough. ''Monst-.'' He now bent over, holding onto the dashboard with one hand as he coughed into the other.

Lessening the hold on my senses, I looked at him to see if there was anything I could notice. No such luck. He was the same orange as everyone else. I did notice the tiny dark spot sitting in nearly the exact same location as Jake's seed had been in though.

''You okay dude?'' I asked as Harry started to gently tap his back. Billy tries to turn to me to speak, only to keep coughing. And then I noticed the small specks of red in the palm he was coughing into. ''That's blood, man. Maybe you should see a doctor.'' I suggest, feeling a bit wary. Coughing up blood was never a good sign. If this was a cheesy chick-flick, that would suggest he's got lung cancer or something. I just hope that's just in the movies.

''Look, Jake's okay. There's nothing to stress out about. He's over there, playing with your other shifter.'' I said, worried I might have exacerbated some illness, pointing towards where the two wolves had been previously. Only to realize there is only one there now. Jake, who is looking in our direction. The other one is in his human form, currently sprinting our way. He looks shorter than Sam, though still quite bulky in terms of mass.

''Is he sick, Harry?'' I asked him, trying to alleviate the gnawing of guilt forming in my stomach. I never get an answer, as Harry starts hitting him harder on the back. It seems to be working, as the coughs start becoming less frequent by the time the shifter shows up.

''What's up Harry?'' The boy ask, and it's only when I hear his voice that I know it's a boy. He can't be much older than Jake by my reckon. Seems being a shifter made you jacked up on 'roids in the muscle department only.

I'm not sure I should feel insulted by his blatant lack of respect for me, as he didn't even spare me a glance when I stood aside for him. I don't know what his relationship with Billy is. But they better be damn close. Like... godfather close.

''Might be nothing to worry about Jared. He overexerted himself and started coughing blood. But perhaps we should take him to the doctor, to be sure.'' Huh, so the last wolf's name was Jared. The other two being Sam and Paul. And Jake now too. I tried to peer into him to see if there was a dark spot where the seed should have been in him, but no dice. The shifters were icy-blue all around. Except Jake.

''No... no leech.'' Billy managed to get out, his voice more haggard than before. How fucking stupid can one be? Really, how much must you hate someone that hasn't done anything wrong but existing, to ignore the chance of best possible aid?

''Carlisle probably has more years of experience as a doctor, than the two of you have been alive combined. And he's got better senses. Can't you let the hatred lie for long enough to get the most accurate diagnosis possible?'' I argue, feeling the anger licking in the back of my mind. It's not for my own sake though. And Harry seems to see what I'm thinking as he levels a glare at me.

But I don't think this dense fucker would be able to get it into his thick skull without a sharp reminder. ''If not for your own sake, then for Jake.''

The sharp intake of air triggers another set of coughs, but Billy nods his head. Harry rights himself and turns on the engine, roaring to life almost like my own truck. What are the odds the people down at the rez have a higher chance of having issues with hearing? Nevermind.

''If you want to continue this conversation later, you need only call. Just make sure this stubborn fool gets to the hospital. I'll make sure Carlisle will be there.'' I said to Harry, over the sound of the engine.

''We also need to talk about the fact that you told Charlie about us, even if you twisted the specifics.'' He shouted over the noise, before he started backing out. I wasn't sure what he thought of me, but I know I liked him more than I did Billy. Not that I didn't find it annoying that he chose to ignore me at times. Or was his hearing just that bad? Surely not.

Moments later I find myself standing in my driveway, alongside a shifter. We're both looking after the truck, but neither of us move as it disappears down the road. It's Jake's impatient stepping his front paws repeatedly that nags me enough to make the first move.

''So I'm Isabella Swan.'' I said to the boy, holding out my hand to shake. He turns around a little too quick, almost as if he was startled. Do shifters have the presence of mind similar to a goldfish or something? Really? Did you just forget I was here?

His pose, that was at first confrontational, shifted slowly into a more relaxed one. His eyes scanned me, and his nose flared as he breathed. It was just a little too obvious to ignore. I just raised my brows, staring back at him. You done kiddo?

''What did you do to Jacob?'' He asked after a few seconds, a hint of worry in his voice. It made me start to worry as well. Had I done something wrong? Was something wrong with Jake? Had my interference hurt him in some way?

''What do you mean?'' I asked him, looking up to Jake. He stopped pacing, and seemed to be intently focusing on us right now. Could he hear us from all the way over there?

''He's... different. Just-... What did you do to him?'' Jared asks a little more forcefully. I've half a mind to knock the kid down a few pegs. But that wouldn't help Jake.

''I just let the seed feed off of my energy instead of killing Jake. Why? What's wrong?'' I start pressing myself, taking a step towards him. It doesn't seem to go over well, as he starts to shake almost imperceptibly. What was more obvious to me was how his aura was fluctuating, pulsing around outside his skin. Was that how they shifted?

So I took a step back again. Not that I actually felt threatened at the moment. It's just that one party being a hairy ass wolf wasn't all that conducive to a conversation. Not that him turning around and leaving was anymore helpful. Without even a word. Man, these guys were total dicks.

I just stood there observing him going into the trees before he turned into a wolf. It did seem to take a lot longer than what Jake's transformation did. And by how he contorted in the process, it didn't seem all that comfortable. Though Jake was asleep the first time, so that might be a contributing factor.

Still not knowing what was wrong with Jake, I had to rely on the hope that he'd come tell me himself later if there was. I sure as shit wasn't expecting anyone else to tell me at this point. With a tired sigh I turned back to the house, Charlie still in the window. I just waved at him to acknowledge his presence before walking inside. He was standing in the hallway with his hands on his hips and a frown on his face.

I wasn't sure if I'd actually said the word couch before walking past him, but he followed me all the same. As I dropped my tired ass into the soft material, I contemplated what to say.

And really. What could I say. Jake had acted suspiciously no doubt, and I couldn't claim to have been any better. Even making him pass on secret messages. He no doubt picked up on that. Probably would have even if he wasn't a cop.

I looked at him, studying his expression. He looked expectant. Angry. Even a little bit of hurt was mixed in there. All understandable. What wasn't, was the sadness. Was he disappointed in me? Or was he feeling guilty that he couldn't protect me in this?

''Please sit down.'' I said quietly, patting the couch beside me. He didn't move from his spot at first, and when he did, he didn't go further than to rest his elbows on the top of his favorite chair. Interlacing his fingers, still facing in my direction, he continued to wait in silence.

I wanted to ask Alice what I should do. What would happen if I did tell him. Only she couldn't have told me even if I did. That was also my fault. Like so many things these days. Closing my eyes, I tried to imagine what would happen if I just cloaked up right now. How Charlie would have reacted. My instincts told me that was a bad idea. Or my cynical side, whatever. The beast.

''Look. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to lie to you. And I can't elaborate more as to why, even though I want to.'' I started off, immediately noticing his scowl twist his mustache. I held up my hands to placate him as I continued. ''I inadvertently tipped my hand to Jake when we were down there last. That's why he wanted to talk to me, but it ended up dragging him into it all. Only ray of light in this, is that I hope my relations with those down at the rez might improve.''

''And what the hell am I supposed to do with that?!'' Charlie shouted at me, grabbing onto the edges of the chair. He was really worked up, and I couldn't fault him for it. And it just made me feel like more of a shit. The promise I'd made to him the last time was already broken, with the knowledge of the Volturi. But if I did tell him, that would be what would put him in danger. Which left me with a catch 22.

Who do you try to protect in that case? The individual, or the masses? On the one hand, lives would be lost even if I didn't tell him. But it wouldn't put him on the hit-list of vampires secretly controlling the supernatural world. On the other, they may never know that he has learned the truth, unless he goes out of his way to announce it.

It wasn't as if the Cullen's were under any illusion that me knowing the truth of what they were, wasn't something they wouldn't be punished for. They'd face punishment either way.

''Answer me Isabella!'' Dad shouted again, breaking me out of my reverie. His face was all red now, much like Billy's had been not long before. Please just don't start coughing as well.

''I can't tell you that. It's not for me to decide.'' I said quietly, musing to myself. ''If you are going to do anything, please don't be rash about it. And I don't mean that as to say that you must treat it with silk gloves. I mean that I want to have a discussion with the Cullen's about bringing you into this. That way we wouldn't have to fight like this.'' His face mellowed as I said the last part, running his fingers over his face.

''So what you're saying is that if I knew what happened today, I wouldn't be mad at you?'' He breathed out after a few seconds. I nodded mutely back to him. ''Damn it Bells. I don't like this!'' It came out as more of a growl than anything. But I didn't speak, rather I was anxious to know what he was getting at. He paced a few steps back and forth for a while.

''Please... You have to tell me at least why I can't know.'' Charlie said quietly, begging as he stopped moving. His shoulders were slumped, telling me the steam had ran out. I desperately didn't want to see him break down again. So much so that I relented.

''I fear that if you knew, it would put you in danger.'' His expression changed from sadness, to guilt and then to incredulity. And I knew what he was going to say. It was just so Charlie, and I preemptively got up and walked towards him.

''I'm a cop Bells, I can handle danger.'' He got it out just as I grabbed him in a hug. His arms embraced me as I started mumbling into his shirt.

''Not this kind.'' I wasn't sure if he heard it clearly, as he didn't press the point. And there was no words for a good minute as we hugged.

''Dinner's getting cold by the way.'' He said into my hair, after some time had passed. I just started chuckling with how bizarre a segue that was. And Charlie joined me, before we went to eat in silence.

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The wind in my hair didn't bother me as much as I think it should have, with me standing with my head out the window. It was a strangely clear night, as the stars starting making their presence known out from that massive thing that was space.

Putting on a gray coat I had bought the day prior, I picked up my pillow and moved to jump out the window. Before I did, I made sure that Charlie wouldn't be able to see me. He was in the living room, so it shouldn't be a problem. I steeled myself before I dropped out, making sure to pump up my legs with energy to catch myself. The landing was almost what one could consider to be smooth. And Charlie hadn't heard a thing.

The second part of my plan was a bit harder however, as I looked up for the easiest access to the roof. It would have been the gutters, if I didn't expect them to fall apart under my weight. So instead I went for the chimney, being on the outer wall of the house. It was a bit higher, but it should be fine. Taking the corner of my pillow into my mouth, I bent down and focused. Feeling quite confident for once, I jumped and hit my target nearly perfectly. If overshooting it was perfect. I had to grab onto the chimney with my hands to stop my momentum. And that had the unfortunate effect of pressing my pillow into the thing. Which wasn't that clean.

I checked again to make sure Charlie hadn't reacted, and it was as if he'd fallen asleep in his chair. I did however notice a certain little silvery outline making a beeline for my house. Didn't take her long to run all the way here. So I turned around and waited for Alice to come out between the trees, at which point she stopped and stared at me funny.

''Care to join me for a bit of stargazing?'' I asked her quietly, knowing she'd hear me anyway. She just shook her head and chuckled, before jumping up much more gracefully than I had. Up here, in the wind and on the edge of the roof, the world didn't seem that difficult all of a sudden.

''I'm sorry I sent you away earlier.'' I whispered to her, only to get a gleaming smile in response.

''It's okay Bella. You were worried for your friend. I get it.'' Alice said in turn, her hand leading me up further on the roof to where we could sit. As we got to the edge on the top, we laid down on the side with a view towards the sea. At first I felt guilty that I didn't bring a pillow for Alice as well, but then I remembered they didn't really have a need for them.

''So tell me, how did it go?'' She asked when we were comfortable. The feel of her cold hand slowly entangling with mine made all my worries go away. At least for now.

I felt the pressure at the back of my mind again. It wanted out, this new power I had discovered. But now was not the time, so I held it at bay. ''Jake became a shifter.'' I answered simply, noting the rueful smile creeping it's way onto her face.

''Yeah, I could kind of smell that.'' She giggled, and it was a sound I has missed for some time. At least that's what it felt like, even though it wasn't even more than a few hours since the last time. Fuck. I'm hopeless.

''It did help, when you left. Initially it seemed like it would die down. But it seemed to have a mind of it's own. I could sense it somehow. It felt cornered, threatened.'' I started, turning to meet her gaze. She seemed intent on listening, but for the moment I was capture. Her eyes, lit only by the light of the moon and stars on the nights sky, were darker than usual. Those golden orbs seemed to drag me in. Was this how vampires lured humans into their grasp?

I had to jerk myself up, leaning back on my elbows as I finally found the capacity to breathe again. Really girl. That's just fucking embarrassing. I didn't dare turn to look at her directly, but I saw the amused smirk graze her features.

''Anyway, whatever it was that I sensed panicked shortly after, and almost ended up killing Jake. I had to... feed him energy, to save him.'' Steeling myself, I let my powers fade completely, leaving me feeling almost blind. The pale moonlight seemed suddenly very dim, compared to what it had been.

''Wait, you can do that?'' Alice asked, as I laid back down and turned to see her brows furrowed. I doubt I could have made out the features of her face in this light, if not for her pallor. It made her seem positively ephemeral. As if I breathed too hard, she might turn to dust.

''So it would seem.'' I chuckled in response. I didn't want to bring up that it had been while all blue and shit. That could possibly make things awkward. Instead I chose to change the subject. ''So how did your family react?''

An uncertain smile parted her lips for a second, before she replied. ''To what?'' She sounded sheepish, which I guess made the answer obvious. But it was in the air, and if we were going to be around each other in the future, this was one thing we should be open about. Or I could turn it more towards her reaction, wanting to eat me part. That was sure to go over well. Nicely done Bella, from the frying pan and into the fire. I'm such a lost cause.

''When you told them about your visions being gone.'' I breathed. She was the one to break eye contact now, looking up to the sky.

''Oh.'' If it wasn't for the fact that I saw her lips move, I might have thought it was the sound of the wind. ''I didn't.'' Alice said in a neutral manner, which in a way also told me they weren't back yet.

''How often does your family rely on your visions?'' I asked her, trying to seem nonchalant. If she was feeling guilty about this, then it would seem it might be a bigger issue than I originally thought. Then again, I did think she experienced most every conversation by visions before in real life. But what reason would the rest of her family need her visions for. They are vampires, it's not like they can't learn how to tie their shoes correctly by themselves. How often did they get into trouble?

''It depends.'' Alice answered simply. A mischievous smirk donned her as she turned back to look at me. Guess the little pixie knew how to lead the conversation even without her powers.

''On what?'' I asked just to humor her, rolling my eyes just to show her I knew what she was doing. She smiled in appreciation, tilting onto her side to get her other arm into range.

''On how often we run into you.'' She teased, booping my nose with her other hand. I laughed at her jovial attitude, feeling the cold pressure try to force its way back to the forefront. But I wouldn't let it. I wouldn't want to ruin this moment. I could already tell there would be problems when our little secret was blown. But that was a worry for a different time.

I breathed deeply and looked back up to the stars. They always reminded me of how small I was. Which while it made me feel humble, it also comforted me with the knowledge that if I screwed up, I couldn't screw up everything. No matter how badly I fucked up, somehow, somewhere, life would go on.

That also clued me into something I had only started to think about a few hours ago. If this was going to happen, I wanted to do it right.

''Hey Alice.'' I said, turning to her once more. From the looks of it, she hadn't turned away as I caught her gaze. ''If we're going to do this.'' I continued, holding our entwined hands up slightly and giving her a squeeze. ''Do you mind if we go slow?''

Her smile was wider this time, although it quickly morphed into a teasing one. ''What, you mean to subject this old hag to the laborious act of having to court the young maiden?'' Alice tried her best to make her voice sound croaky, though it didn't really work. I just laughed at her silly impression and nodded.

''Your wish is my desire.'' She breathed with an edge that made chills run down my spine. And not in a bad way.

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AN: Hope you guys enjoyed it! And as always, please feel free to tell me if something feels off. Hopefully I can clear up any worries you may have in a pm.