A/N: Surprise! Double update this week! You guys were all so nice in your reviews that this chapter practically wrote itself. Thank you for all your reviews, I'm glad the last chapter wasn't as bad as I thought it was. I was going back and realized I've been spelling Seth's imprint's name 2 ways so from now on it'll be Mikahla. We get some steaminess between our favorite couple this chapter, and some closure with the Pack. Hope you all enjoy!
Good Morning Beautiful Day
Bella awoke to a cocoon of warmth, feeling more rested than she had in months. She looked down to see her hand still entwined with Jacob's and she couldn't help the smile that stretched across her face. Glancing over her shoulder she saw Jacob was still fast asleep, still haggard but looking more at peace than she had seen in a while. Carefully she eased herself onto her back so she could study him, her eyes tracing the lines of his face and she couldn't help brushing her fingers over his forehead, the faint line that she didn't remember him having smoothing out at her touch. With a soft smile she maneuvered her body out of the bed and grabbed a pair of shorts out of her bag, pulling them on before slipping quietly out the door.
The sun was just coming over the horizon and she realized it had to only be around six am, far from her usual wake up time. She peeked into the living room to see Billy and Charlie still snoring loudly, shaking her head as she thought about the terrible hangover those two would have. With that in mind she turned into the kitchen and began to quietly prepare coffee and plan breakfast, knowing Jake would likely be starving when he woke up. Once the coffee maker beeped softly at her she poured herself a cup and slipped onto the front porch, sipping it as she let her eyes take in the sun on the wet lawn, water drops sparkling like diamonds. A noise made her look up and she smiled when she saw Seth come out of the woods, waving her hand in greeting.
"Morning Bella. You okay after last night?" He offered her a one armed hug which she returned and gestured for him to sit on the steps.
"Yeah, I'm good. I was worried more about you guys. Coffee?" He shook his head as she took a seat next to him, leaning against him as he stared out into the yard. A comfortable silence wrapped around them as they enjoyed the morning, before Seth finally spoke.
"You know about Mikahla huh?"
Bella nodded and Seth sighed as he rubbed his hand over his face. "After you guys left last night that's all the rest of the Pack wanted to know about. Leah finally chased them off by threatening to kick all their asses, but she isn't happy with me either. How in the world am I going to explain something I don't fully understand?"
Bella rubbed his shoulder and took a sip of her coffee before pursing her lips slightly. "Well you guys don't even fully understand what you are. And if there are vampires and actual werewolves all over, it would make sense that other tribes would have shifters too. They would need protecting just like La Push. Maybe Mikahla knows more, and I'm fairly certain she is more than capable of speaking for herself even to the Pack. Don't worry about it Seth, I'm sure everyone will love her just as much as I do."
Seth offered her a small smile and glanced at the sun, standing up and stretching slightly. "Thanks Bella. I better go, Mikahla should be awake soon if she isn't already and she'll wonder where I am. I'll see you guys at Sam and Emily's later?"
Bella nodded and waved him off, finishing her coffee as she stood and headed back into the house to start breakfast. Her father was just beginning to stir as she walked inside, groaning softly as the sunlight blinded him. "Rise and shine sleepyhead!"
He gave her a one eyed glare at her cheerful tone, throwing his arm over his face to block out the light. Bella smirked and nudged the sofa with her foot, laughing when Charlie groaned louder. "Well that's what you get for drinking too much. Now get up, I'm working on breakfast and Billy needs woken up and help getting ready for the day."
Charlie's face paled at the mention of food and he suddenly leapt to his feet and bolted for the bathroom. Bella couldn't help her laughter and Billy jerked awake, squinting at the brightness before rubbing his head with a groan. "That old man of yours is going to have a headache by the time I'm done with him."
"Oh I think he has one already Billy. As soon as he's finished in the bathroom he'll help you get ready, I'm going to make some very strong coffee for you two and start breakfast." Billy offered a weak smile and she patted his shoulder as she walked past, deciding on oatmeal, eggs and bacon for breakfast. She waved to a pale Charlie as he walked back to the living room, smirking as Billy greeted him loudly and he groaned again. Quickly she immersed herself in preparing the food, hearing her father wheel Billy to the bathroom, and she hummed softly under her breath as she started the bacon in the stove.
As she was cracking the eggs she heard a shout from the back of the house and then a bang as a door was flung open, the hinges squeaking in protest. Before she could investigate, footsteps pounded in her direction and a wild eyed Jacob appeared in the doorway. Seeing her he crossed the kitchen and swept her up into his arms, ignoring her squeak of surprise as he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her hair. Bella was stunned at his actions, confused why he was so upset until his murmured words reached her ears.
"You're here, you're here…it wasn't a dream…you're still here…" She could hear the panic and fear in his voice and she realized what he must've thought waking up alone. Her hands smoothed over his shoulders and back as she whispered soothing words of comfort to him, legs wrapping around his waist to help support herself. After a minute Jake's shaking slowed and his face moved from her hair to her neck, breathing deeply before placing a soft kiss to the pulse point. Bella's eyes flew open and she sucked in a breath as he repeated the action, slowly trailing his lips up and across her jaw. He pressed his forehead to hers and she stared into his eyes as he took a shaky breath. "Bells-"
"Jacob!" Bella tore her eyes away from Jacob's to see Charlie and Billy in the doorway, staring at their children. Billy looked overjoyed to see his son, and slightly amused, while Charlie's face was slowly going from pale to red. Bella realized the position that she was in and a blush flared on her face as she quickly unwrapped her legs and gave Jacob a pleading look. Reluctantly he slowly slid her down his body, causing her face to redden further and she quickly put a few inches distance between them. Jacob kept hold of her hand, refusing to let her get any further away, and gave his father and Charlie a sheepish grin.
"Hey dad. Charlie." Bella was sure her father was going to explode but Billy wheeled forward and strategically placed himself between them, reaching up to clasp his son's arm.
"I'm glad you're home son. When did you get back?" Jacob tugged Bella closer and released her hand to slip his arm around her waist, tucking her into his side as he shrugged slightly.
"Late last night. I didn't want to wake you and Bells was tired so we went to bed."
Charlie's face had now gone almost purple and Bella smacked Jacob's hand as she glared at him, wiggling her way free of his embrace. "The bacon is going to burn, let go of me you oaf. Why don't you and Billy go talk in the living room while I finish breakfast."
Jacob reluctantly followed his father out of the kitchen, holding Bella's gaze until the door swung shut behind them and left her alone with Charlie. Still red faced she quickly turned to the stove and flipped the bacon before starting the eggs, frantically trying to come up with something to say. "Bells."
Her father's voice made her flinch slightly and she slowly turned to see him awkwardly standing by the table, looking at anything but her as he cleared his throat uncomfortably. "The boy knows I carry a gun right?"
Bella nodded and Charlie coughed and poured himself a cup of coffee before muttering a good morning and walking out of the kitchen. She stared after him for a long moment, bewildered at how the morning had gone so far, and then sighed as she turned back to the stove.
Bella called the men to breakfast, eyeing the large amounts on the table with a critical eye. She hoped that she'd made enough, especially with Jacob's appetite, but decided she could always make more. The door swung open interrupting her thoughts and she smiled as Charlie wheeled Billy in, both of them taking in appreciative sniffs. Jacob was close behind, immediately seeking her eyes and she could see him visibly relax at seeing her. She offered him a smile and motioned to the table while she leaned back against the counter with her coffee, enjoying watching the three of them dig in enthusiastically. "Aren't you going to eat Bells?"
She shook her head at her father's question, draining the last of her coffee and putting the mug in the sink as she replied. "No, I ate while it was cooking. There's a gathering at Sam and Emily's soon, so I need to shower and get ready. Just pile up the dishes and I'll get to them before lunch."
Billy swallowed his oatmeal she had prepared for him and shook his head at her, clapping a hand on Charlie's shoulder. "No need Bella, I think your dad and I can handle washing a few dishes. Our years as bachelors have us well practiced. You two enjoy your time at Sam and Emily's and spend some time together. I think the two of us will go fishing this afternoon anyway."
Bella's eyes darted to Jacob and she offered Billy a smile of thanks as she nodded and turned to leave the kitchen. She had just made it to the hall on her way to Jacob's room when a hand caught hers and she spun to face him. He stroked his thumb over the back of her hand and she gave him a reassuring smile. "Jake, you really can't join me with Charlie awake. Go finish eating and get ready, I'll be done soon."
He nodded and pulled her close for a bear hug, inhaling her hair as he buried his face in it, and then he pecked a kiss to her cheek before vanishing back into the kitchen. She couldn't help the smile on her face as she walked into the bedroom to get her bag, fingers brushing over where Jacob's kiss still burned her skin.
Bella stepped out of the bathroom with a content sigh; a shower never failed to help clear her mind, and nearly ran into Jacob sitting in the hallway by the door. "Jake! You scared me."
He stood, eyes roving over her, and she bit her lip as she waited for him to say something. She had brought the wardrobe she had purchased in Phoenix, although most of it would be useless ninety percent of the time in Forks, so she tried to mix it with her old clothes to get as much wear out of it as possible. Currently she had on faded ripped jeans, a formfitting, soft grey tank that she would have lived in daily if she could, topped with one of her old flannels and a pair of grey high tops. Jacob's eyes met hers and she could read approval in his gaze, his expression turning thoughtful as he reached toward her hair and pulled a section of it forward. She had started growing it out again so it was past her shoulders, but she still had Jen do the highlights as often as possible. Jacob's fingers rubbed through the silky russet strands and she saw him swallow hard before whispering, "Can we talk before…?"
She nodded and he took her hand to lead her to his bedroom, shutting the door softly behind him and taking a deep breath. She rubbed her hand up his arm, waiting for him to say something, and he finally cleared his throat and led her to sit on the edge of the bed, kneeling in front of her with a solemn look on his face. "Bells…I'm sorry. I never should have left you on the mountain top after…after that kiss. If I hadn't…"
He shook his head regretfully and clasped her hands with his, studying their contrasting skin tones as he rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles. "I shouldn't have believed Paul and Leah either, I should have gotten to your house, to hell with my injuries, and none of this would've happened."
"Jake…what they did was wrong but they were just trying to help their brother. And who could blame them; it isn't like I had the best track record when it came to you. I know it's been hard on you, it has on me too, but maybe it was a good thing. The time away let me think over everything, about you, about Edward, about what I want to do with my life now…that I won't be immortal. I had a chance to live life on my own terms for a while, something I've never had. And I realized that this is my home and I want to stay here, with dad, Billy, the Pack…with you.
She bit her lip as he stared at her and suddenly found herself on her back as Jacob's lips crashed into hers and he kissed her with all the pent up emotion over the last few months. She returned it, all rational thought fleeing at the feeling of him on top of her, pressing her deeper into the mattress, and she gripped his hair in her hands as she pulled him impossibly closer. Jacob's hand caressed her side, trailing down to her hip and she felt her eyes slide closed as his fingers started to trail down the outside of her leg.
"Jacob!" Billy's voice startled the both of them and she opened her eyes as Jacob reluctantly pulled away, glaring at the door over his shoulder.
"Yeah?" His fingers continued to massage her thigh and she hummed contentedly as she absentmindedly ran her fingers through his hair, trying to rearrange the silky strands into some semblance of order.
"Jared just called, said nearly everyone is at Sam's and wanted to know if you were coming." Jacob groaned softly and rested his forehead on her stomach, his hand stilling on her leg as he grumbled under his breath.
"Yeah, thanks dad. We're leaving now." He raised his eyes to look at her and she smiled softly before wiggling her way out from under him, running a hand through her hair as she tried to get her breathing under control. Jacob took her hand and led her from the bedroom, pulling her out the backdoor as he hollered a goodbye to Billy and Charlie. She was puzzled as to why he was heading for the woods until she remembered that her truck was still at the Clearwater's. "Jake wait, I can't walk that far."
He smiled over his shoulder and stopped at the edge of the forest, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand before whispering, "Wait here."
With that he melted into the underbrush and she frowned in confusion, listening to the rustling noise he made that suddenly became much louder before his wolf appeared in front of her. She watched at the animal in bemusement as he stalked out of the trees and stopped in front of her, dropping to his belly with an expectant look. Her brow furrowed as she stared at him and he pointedly looked at her and then over his shoulder to his back. Bella's eyes widened when she realized his intention and she started to protest. "Jake, I don't think…"
He tilted his head at her with the equivalent of a frown and she sighed as she stepped forward and gingerly climbed on his back. She had ridden Seth down a mountain, but to be honest she hadn't been thinking clearly and it wasn't something she thought she'd ever do again. But she did trust Jake so she clutched the fur on his shoulders and held her breath as he stood up, the height slightly dizzying. He looked back at her, his eyes full of patience and she nodded slightly for him to go ahead, praying that she didn't make a fool of herself and fall off.
They started out at a slow walk and she let herself get used to the gently rocking motion, making sure to keep a tight grip with her legs. Once she had the hang of it Jacob sped up to an easy trot, his big paws eating up the ground faster than she could have running next to him. She watched his ears twitch back and forth, listening to the sounds of the forest, and she admired the way his russet fur shone in the sun. She noticed he seemed much more relaxed, his flanks rising and falling beneath her legs in deep, even breaths, and she couldn't help the urge to smooth his fur on his neck. A deep rumbling vibrated through her body as Jacob glanced back at her with a wolfy grin and she laughed as his tongue lolled out, wishing she had a camera to snap a picture of his ridiculous face.
She heard rustling in the brush to her left and Jacob growled low in his chest, his hackles rising. She caught a glimpse of a grey and black wolf weaving its way through the woods and she smacked Jacob lightly on the shoulder as she scolded him. "Stop it Jacob, it' just Embry."
He grumbled beneath her and angled more to the right, watching his Pack brother with a wary eye. Bella rolled her eyes and waved at Embry, grinning when he gave a short bark and then ran ahead of them, his tail wagging slightly. Jacob harrumphed under his breath, trailing after him reluctantly until Sam and Emily's cabin came into view. Embry vanished into some bushes for a moment before reappearing human and jogged to the porch.
Jacob stopped a few feet from the clearing, slowly lowering himself down so Bella could jump off. She started towards the cabin, intending to let Jacob catch up, when he cut in front of her and nudged her back, ignoring her protest, turning her so her back was to him. She felt the air around her shimmer and the rustling sound of fabric before russet arms snaked around her waist and pulled her back into Jake's hard body. She sighed happily, rubbing her hands over his arms as he buried his face in her hair and inhaled deeply. "They're waiting on us Jake."
He nodded but didn't let go, his body taunt with tension, and she twisted in his embrace to look at his face. He had the line between his eyes again, although the dark circles under his eyes looked a little better, and his mouth was turned down into a frown. She raised a hand to smooth the hair out of his face, watching as his eyes closed at her touch and he relaxed slightly. She let her hand trail down his face, feeling the tension leave him little by little, and she leaned up on her tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his lips. His eyes opened, darker than normal and still ringed in yellow, but a soft smile crossed his face as he leaned his forehead against hers. "Hey."
"Hey. You ready Alpha?" She tilted her head toward the cabin and he sighed as he nodded and grudgingly released her, sliding his hand down to clasp hers. She squeezed his hand in support and followed as he slowly led her out of the woods and across the yard. The cabin was uncharacteristically quiet, nothing like she remembered, and Jacob stopped at the base of the porch, hesitant to enter. She stepped closer and rubbed his arm, whispering soothingly. "They're your brothers and sister Jake. Everyone has made mistakes these last few months, but we'll all get through it cause that what a pack does."
He studied her for a moment and she could see the fight in his eyes, the wolf still dominating his actions and she realized that what he was partly afraid of. The wolf had already taken on and nearly killed Sam, fought Embry and was ready to rip Seth to shreds just the night before. She pulled her hand free and wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling how hard he was trembling, and she rested her head on his chest over his heart as she murmured, "Don't be afraid, either of you. I'm home, I'm safe, and I'm not leaving you again. No one will take me away from here."
The air left his lungs in a whoosh as he wrapped her tightly in his arms and she felt the shaking cease, a content purring deep in his chest making her smile as she leaned back to see him looking much more relaxed. He pressed a kiss into her hair and took another deep breath before releasing her, grasping her hand tightly in his and squaring his shoulders before leading the way up the steps and opening the door.
The air inside the cabin was thick with tension and immediately became silent when Jacob and Bella entered. Bella swept her gaze over the room and saw everyone was there, including a still pale Sam who was propped up on pillows on a corner of the sofa, bandages still covering his chest and neck. Everyone waited with bated breath as Jacob slowly walked across the living room and released Bella's hand to approach the couch. He hesitated in front of Sam, uncertainty radiating from him, until Sam slowly straightened to a sitting position and inclined his head, tilting to the side. Jacob looked surprised and Sam's hoarse voice filled the room. "It was always yours to lead Jacob. I'm only sorry we let it happen the way it did. But I offer you my respect and my loyalty, Alpha."
He held out his hand and Jacob slowly took it, eyes sweeping the living room as Sam's pledge was echoed by the other Pack members, their heads tilted to the side in submission. Bella felt a wave of pride as she watched, she could almost see a huge weight lift off Jacob and he glanced over at her with a small smile. She could see the yellow had faded slightly, the wolf slowly relenting as Jacob began to take his true place in the Pack with everyone standing firmly behind their Alpha. A touch on her shoulder pulled her attention away and she smiled when she saw Emily standing behind her.
"I'm sorry to ask Bella, but would you mind helping me with the food? I've still got some things to prepare for lunch and the boys are no help."
She nodded and glanced back at Jacob, tilting her head towards the kitchen silently so he would know where she was. He nodded slightly, keeping his gaze on her until she vanished into the other room, and she rolled up her sleeves as she began to help Emily prepare the feast.
Jacob stood and looked around, meeting each of his pack mates' eyes momentarily as he took a deep breath. He could almost physically feel the weight of the Alpha mantel, yet it was lighter than the burdens he had been carrying around for months. He knew that while his responsibility was a weighty one, it was one he had been destined for and would be far easier on him than on Sam. He still felt guilty about how he had treated his brother and former Alpha, how he had treated all his pack mates, but he would do his best to make it up to them. "I want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry for how I've acted these last few months, I took my anger out on you when you guys were who I should have been leaning on. I've treated you all like shit, and I know I was wrong. I'm sorry too Sam, that I took the Alpha title from you like that, Embry for our fight, and Seth for misjudging you."
He looked around again and was relieved to see acceptance from everyone and took a seat next to Sam and the others quickly followed suit on chairs, the floor or cushions from the furniture. "I know we have a lot to discuss, is there someone who wants to start?"
Jared stood slowly, inclining his head respectfully before speaking. "Jake, we're all glad you're back and we're more than happy to follow you as Alpha. But what about Bella? And your eyes, I'm not the only one who noticed you're carrying the wolf in them. We all know that you and Bella didn't imprint, not like Sam and I have, so why did you and the wolf go off the deep end when she disappeared?"
There were hesitant murmurs of agreement and Jacob leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together as he frowned down at them for a long moment. "To be honest Jared, I don't know. You're right that she and I aren't imprinted, yet my wolf wants her as much as the human me does. I can't explain it, and as for the eyes…with everything that's happened the last week I've been more wolf than man and I still am. Its better, Bella has helped and the Pack's loyalty has sated him enough to retreat a bit. But he's still there, close to the surface and I'm not sure why other than to make sure Bella isn't taken from us again."
Sam shifted and Jacob turned to him expectantly. "Perhaps you should consult with the Elders Jacob, or at least talk to Old Quil. He keeps the records of all our legends; he may be able to explain it to you."
Jacob nodded thoughtfully, and turned back to the Pack, his eyes meeting Leah's as she leaned against the far wall. She tipped her head at him and he nodded slightly at her as she crossed her arms. "Black, I'm sure you just made me your second in the heat of the moment but you can pick whoever you really want now."
He raised his eyebrow and studied her for a moment, then stood and spoke firmly. "Leah is my chosen second, if she'll accept it. Anyone have a problem with that?"
Jacob looked around the silent room and back to Leah's wide eyes, waiting for her reply. She pursed her lips for a moment and then slowly nodded, straightening slightly as she shouldered her responsibility. Sitting back down Jacob looked at a fidgeting Seth and tilted his head at him. "Seth. I owe you my thanks for looking out for Bella and bringing her home. I'm sorry about last night, obviously I wasn't thinking straight and I jumped to conclusions. I have my own questions, unless you want to tell the whole story."
Seth nodded and stood, slowly starting at the beginning with the newborn battle, making Jacob, Leah and Paul all flinch for different reasons, and to his assistance in Bella's departure, skipping over the months of her absence, he continued to where he had decided to bring Bella home and his adventure in Cameron. Everyone listened intently as he told about being hit by the truck and his recuperation in Liza's house, and he slowly told them about what had happened in the alleyway and the flash of auburn he had seen before Mikahla had appeared. "She's my imprint. I brought her here to meet all of us and she's staying with me at our house."
Jacob tilted his head and raised an eyebrow expectantly. "There's more."
Seth nodded and took a deep breath, pulling his hand through his hair before he blurted out, "She's a shifter."
Deathly quiet fell over the living room before everyone started talking at once in an uproar. Jacob looked sideways at Sam who looked just as stunned as he felt and he stood to bring everyone's attention back. "Quiet. Seth, you're sure?"
He nodded and Jacob rubbed a hand over his face as he tried to come to terms with the startling news. "I'm guessing that was the auburn wolf from last night?"
Seth nodded again and shrugged slightly with a sheepish look. "She wasn't trying to hurt you by the way; she was trying to defend me."
A snicker was heard from Paul's direction and Seth nailed him with a glare. "Go ahead and laugh Lahote."
Jacob sent Paul a stern look, silencing him immediately, and turned his attention back to Seth. "Does she have any kind of connection to La Push?"
Seth shook his head and offered Bella's theory about there being more shifters out in the world to defend other tribes from vampires. Jacob nodded thoughtfully, deciding to add it to the list of things to speak to Old Quil about, and looked around the room. "Anyone else have something to discuss right now?"
Murmurs and shaking heads answered him and he nodded as he stood, walking over to Seth and clapping a hand on his shoulder with a smile. "Congratulations on your imprint Seth. I'm sure she'll fit in just fine, and hopefully Old Quil will have some insight into everything."
Seth nodded and gave a grateful smile, and Jacob turned when Embry cleared his throat, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he waited for Jacob to acknowledge him. When Jacob tilted his head in permission Embry grinned and clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "I say we have a bonfire, tonight! It's been months and the weather is finally cooperating just in time, we should celebrate Seth's imprint and more importantly Bella's return and our new Alpha."
There were claps and cheers of approval and Jacob chuckled as he shrugged and grinned at the eager faces. "Why not?"
Bella set out the last of the sandwiches, wiping her forehead as she surveyed the table and then turned to Emily. "I think we're good to go, I'll go grab the guys."
She nodded as she put the finished pan of deviled eggs on the counter and Bella slipped out of the kitchen and down the hall. As she approached the living room she slowed and peered around the corner, smiling when she saw everyone milling around Jacob as they joked with each other like the old days. As soon as she peeked her head around the corner Jacob's eyes snapped up to hers and she felt her breath catch at the intensity, still not used to seeing the wolf mixed with the human in his gaze. He quickly crossed the room and pulled her close, she could feel the tension leave his body at the contact and she leaned her cheek against his chest as she murmured, "The food is ready."
He gave an answering grumble and pulled away long enough to call out to the Pack before returning his face to her hair. She felt everyone move past them, Jared and Paul helping Sam, their boisterousness returning once they reached the kitchen, and she tipped her head up to smile at him. "Everything go okay?"
He nodded, rubbing his hand over her back, and raised the other to rub her hair between his fingers. "Lots to talk to Old Quil about, hopefully he'll have some answers about Seth's imprint, my wolf, us."
She pursed her lips slightly, unable to keep her brow from wrinkling in a frown at the thought of imprinting. Jacob immediately cupped her face and leaned down to press his forehead against hers, his voice dropping to almost a growl. "Don't. Don't worry about it. Imprinting may be for the others but we're different. My wolf wants you just as much as I do, never doubt that. You are who I chose, who we chose."
He pulled her close and she swallowed hard, feeling the truth of Jacob's statement pressing into her stomach, and she sucked in a breath just before Jacob crashed his lips to hers in a searing kiss. Her hands instinctively made their way to his hair, tangling in the silky strands as she moaned faintly, her lips following his in a fiery dance as her body arched into his. A cough interrupted them and Bella's eyes flew open to see a red faced Embry standing outside the kitchen door, eyes looking anywhere but at the panting couple and he muttered something about the food before vanishing back into the kitchen.
Jacob growled low under his breath and closed his eyes as he leaned back against the wall, his breathing ragged as he rubbed a hand up and down her arm. She felt her face flush and she realized that the whole Pack must've heard them, and she leaned her head against Jacob's chest as she groaned in mortification. Jacob chuckled, smoothing his hand over her hair, and grasped her hand to lead her to the kitchen. Everyone was focused on their plates, although she could see Paul and Quil trying to hide their smirks as they ate their food, and she kept her gaze on her feet as she followed Jacob down the line. He piled enough food on his plate to feed an army, making her smile and shake her head as he plopped down on the bench and pulled her into his lap. She leaned her head against him as she snatched a sandwich from his plate, letting her eyes wander over the Pack as they returned to their joking and laughing, feeling at peace that she was finally home where she belonged.
A/N: Ta da! I know, not much drama this chapter, but there will be plenty at the bonfire next chapter. I'm already hard at work at it, hopefully it'll be up in a couple days. Let me know what you think! Thanks for reading!