A/N: Guess who's baaaaaaack! Okay, I swear I have a really good excuse for my absence! Right after posting my last update we found out we were expecting our second baby (yay!) and when I'm pregnant my children apparently siphon off my muse for their own devious ends. I was barely able to move from the bed to the couch and back for most of the pregnancy, writing was not even on my mind at that point. Then we moved 1800 miles from our hometown 6 weeks after our daughter was born with our son and dog so that all took every bit of energy I had to keep everyone alive and (somewhat) sane. My daughter also has something against sleep, it's been almost 2 years since I've had a decent night's sleep which does not do wonders for my creative side. Either my body is adjusting to the fact this is my reality for the foreseeable future or I'm adapting to running on three hours of sleep a night forever. Either way, I beat my head against the keyboard until this came out so hopefully it's not too rough. Also the characters decided to create another plot twist for me, apparently they're miffed at my absence as well. Enjoy the chapter!

Woman, Amen

Jacob could feel the tremors in his arms as he clenched his fists, fighting the urge to phase as his chest rumbled with a growl, Paul's echoing behind him. Bella placed a hand on his arm, her touch soothing them slightly and he turned to see her watching him with a worried look. "Jake, our dads..."

He cocked his head slightly, hearing Billy and Charlie's approach, and glanced at Paul. "Do you need to run it off?"

The hot tempered wolf grimaced, his arms still shaking, but before Jacob could order him out of the house, Bella made her way to his side and rubbed her hand down his arm soothingly. Paul immediately stilled, the anger draining from his eyes, and he shot Bella a grateful look before meeting Jacob's gaze. "I'm good."

Jacob didn't have time to comment on the miraculous feat before his father was wheeled into the kitchen by Charlie.

"Smells good in here Bells! Jacob, what was that about? You nearly ran me over and left your dad out there."

Jacob grimaced as he shot his father an apologetic look but Bella spoke before he could. "You know Jacob dad, he smelled the food and had to be first in line. Now wash up, food is getting cold."

Charlie gave her a mock salute before pushing Billy towards the bathroom and Jacob caught his father's gaze as they passed, mouthing "Later." to Billy's questioning eyes. Once the two men were out of earshot he looked up at Paul. "Tell the others emergency meeting after dinner, I want everyone there, no excuses."

Paul nodded, pausing to give Bella a quick one-armed hug, then bolted out the door and disappeared into the treeline. Jacob ran his hand through his hair, trying to push down the last tremors of anger, and Bella moved to run her hand down his arm again, watching him worriedly. "Jake..."

He shook his head, bending to press a quick kiss to her temple. "I'm fine Bells. I promise. We'll deal with it at the Pack meeting, together."

Letting out a breath she nodded and leaned up to press her lips to his, smirking when he lingered a moment.

"Isabella Marie!"

Charlie's bark made them pull apart, Bella practically leaping across the kitchen as she flushed almost as deep as her fuming father, and Jacob choked back a laugh as he looked at Billy who shook his head at his son's antics. "C'mon Chief, you know these two are together. Be glad we only walked in on them kissing and come eat."

Charlie's face went from red to purple, sputtering nonsense as Bella shot a glare at Jacob. He coughed, moving to keep a wide berth from the police chief and pulled out Bella's seat. He made sure to keep his distance from her, swallowing nervously as Charlie glared across the table, aggressively stabbing his food. Billy seemed to be enjoying his friend's discomfort, doing nothing to hide his grin. Bella refused to look at any of them, her face still flushed red as she ate her meal in silence. When they were finished Jacob hurried to clear the table, glancing at the clock as he ran the dishwater.

"Why don't you come watch the game with us Isabella?"

Jacob looked up to see Bella glaring halfheartedly at her father, his tone and use of her name beginning to get under her skin, but Billy spoke before she could argue.

"Stop being so ridiculous Charlie, come watch the Seahawks and leave these two alone. Honestly, you're the one who wanted her to date the boy..."

Jacob shot his father a thankful look, sobering when Charlie looked up at him sharply. Blowing out a breath in frustration he threw his hands up and followed Billy into the living room, looking at the two of them pointedly as he propped the kitchen door open with a chair. Once Jacob heard them settle in the living room he dared to look at Bella who was glaring openly at the men's backs before she huffed and brought more dishes from the table, taking extra care to rattle them loudly as she set them on the counter. Jacob hid a grin, ducking his head to continue washing up.

Between the two of them the kitchen was spotless quickly and Bella tugged on her jacket as she motioned to the backdoor, calling over her shoulder, "Be back in a bit!"

Laughing at Charlie's exclamation she bolted for the woods as the door swung shut behind them, making Jacob shake his head as he joined her deep in the trees, catching her around the waist and bringing her to face him. "You're really trying to get me shot aren't you?"

She grinned up at him, folding her arms with a shrug. "He deserved that after glaring all through dinner. But I do need to sit down with him, honestly you'd think he'd be a little less grumpy since he's known you forever."

Jacob shrugged, his face growing serious for a moment. "He loves you Bells, he's just being a dad. After Cullen...he's right to be cautious. Even if it is me. We both need to sit down and talk with him, you hated hiding so much from him before, I don't want you to have to do that with me. We may not be able to tell him everything right now,but we should be open with him where we can."

Bella nodded, stretching up to kiss him again, and smiled. "I love you Jacob."

His wolf rumbled in his chest, happy their mate was content, and they followed her through the trees to the clearing that had become the Pack's meeting place. When they arrived Jacob was glad to see everyone already there, with the exception of Sam, and he shot a questioning look at Leah as she walked up to greet them.

"Don't ask." Her tone warned him something had happened but he trusted she would share later, away from so many sensitive ears, and he gave a short nod in understanding. He was slightly surprised to see Damon standing by Seth and Mikahla, his eyes trained on Leah as she took her place by Bella. Making a mental note to speak to his Beta later he glanced around at the rest of the Pack waiting patiently and cleared his throat.

"I know you're all wondering what's going on, unfortunately it's not good." He paused to grab Bella's hand, his wolf had begun to grow agitated but calmed slightly at her touch. "A Cullen has been in contact."

Immediately snarls and growls filled the air, Jacob unable to hold his in as the air became charged with the Pack's collective anger. He let it go for a few moments, knowing they needed to express themselves, then raised his hand to calm them. "Before you get too upset, listen to what Bella has to say. She's the one who spoke with them."

He felt Bella squeeze his hand softly, he knew it was from her gratefulness at him letting her speak on her own. Despite his inbred feelings on the vamps, she still cared for them, and that was enough to temper his reactions most of the time. "It was Rosalie that called. When I left for Arizona I made them all promise to stay away from Forks to keep from triggering any more wolf genes and to only make contact if it was important. I didn't want to risk the Volturi finding out they'd been tricked or finding out about the Pack. She was calling to warn me that Edward has disappeared."

This time Jacob didn't bother trying to control his growls as his wolf snapped angrily, even Bella's touch did little to sooth them. Bella squeezed his hand again before stepping forward and gazing around the group. "I'm sharing this because the rest of the Cullens are worried. Rose told me he hasn't been in the best frame of mind since the newborn fight, despite their efforts to distract him. Alice hasn't been able to find him with her gift, of anyone Edward knows how to manipulate her visions and avoid her. I hope he isn't going to do something stupid, but I want you to know you are my Pack. You are my family. This is my home. And nothing and no one will threaten that. If Edward decides to return, we will deal with him. Together."

Jacob's chest flared with pride as the Pack members applauded, his wolf howling its own approval for their mate's loyalty. He couldn't resist the urge to wrap his arms around her briefly before straightening to address the Pack. "New patrol schedules will need to be made, unfortunately he knows our normal routes and times. And he has the ability to hear our thoughts. Hopefully he won't break the treaty but if he does, we all know the consequences."

Leah spoke up. "What about the rest of them? Are they coming back to Forks?"

Jacob looked at Bella who shook her head. "No, not now. They aren't sure Edward is even coming here, he's pulled this disappearing act before. Right now they're going to keep searching for him on their own, Carlilse is hoping one of his contacts will know where he is. They did ask me to let them know if we find any evidence Edward is here so they can come get him themselves, to try and avoid any violence. But they also know what will happen if he breaks the treaty. They won't come searching for retribution if we have to make that choice."

Jacob caught the tremor at the end of Bella's statement, he know she hoped that the leech would be smart and stay away but the odds were he was returning to try and win her back. And despite her feelings towards the Cullen family, she knew her loyalty lay with his Pack, their Pack, and what that could mean.

"Let's work out a temporary schedule until I can iron out something more permanent."

Fortunately the Pack was willing to make the sacrifices for a few days and they quickly worked out teams of four to patrol over the next few days, Jacob doing his best to ensure he wouldn't be working them too hard. The last thing they needed is a weakness for Edward to exploit. He was surprised when Damon volunteered to take a few shifts, Leah shocking everyone when she spoke up that he could join her. When they were finished Jacob took his Beta aside, leading her far enough away everyone would have trouble hearing them talk. "What happened?"

He could feel his anger grow as Leah filled him in on her run in with Sam earlier that day, the daring of the former Alpha was concerning for many reasons. "Leah, I'll have a talk with him."

She started to protest but Jacob held up his hand. "No, don't try and brush it off. This is serious."

He glanced back at the clearing and questioned, "What about Damon? Do you trust him? You were quick to vouch for him for patrol."

Leah followed his gaze, her brow furrowing slightly as she watched the other shifter. "I don't know. He seems to care about his sister but I feel like he's hiding something. I figured since he's already staying with us, patrolling gives me the chance to keep a close eye on him."

Jacob nodded, taking a moment to touch his Beta's shoulder in a silent show of support, then led the way back to the clearing. "Alright, I'll work on the new schedules and rotating shifts and have them ready in a day or so. Until then, you all know what to do. And make sure you're careful, no going off on your own. We don't want to leave an opening he could exploit. Get some rest and I'll see you in the morning."

The Pack quietly dispersed, Jacob watching as they bid Bella goodbye one by one, all of them brushing their hand over her arm or back as they passed. He knew they were instinctively covering her in their scent, the scent of Pack, as a comfort for their wolves and also a warning. Bella was well protected and every single wolf would fight to the death for her. A touch on his arm brought him out of his musings and he looked down to find Bella watching him. "You okay?"

He nodded, gathering her close and sighing contentedly at the mix of her own scent and those of the Pack, his wolf rumbling low in his chest. "Fine. Just thinking. Are you okay? I know that must have been hard."

He saw her eyes darken slightly. "Yes. And no. I don't want to upset you..."

He ducked down to kiss her forehead tenderly and met her gaze with his own steady one. "I can't help my reactions all the time, it's literally in my blood to hate them. But you care for them and I care for you. If you need to talk, and know I try to understand as much as I can, you can talk to me."

Bella squeezed his hand, her gaze turning serious. "I don't love him anymore. I thought I did for a long time, but I think it was a mix of forbidden and his vampire charm. I still care for him, for all of them, but nothing like I love you and the rest of the Pack. I don't want to see anyone hurt, but I also won't let him threaten everything we have. I've moved on and hopefully he'll be able to accept that and move on too."

Jacob could tell she didn't quite believe that part, they both knew the depth of Edward's misguided love when it came to her and what lengths he could go to, but neither wanted to think of that possibility right then. Pressing a kiss into her hair Jacob took her hand and began to lead her home, knowing they'd have to deal with a still upset Charlie before their night was through.

Bella watched Jacob lope into the forest, his russet fur blending into the darkness. She knew there would be a wolf posted around the house until he returned but she still felt his absence like a dull ache. Hoping the time would pass quickly she powered up her cell, trying to ignore the loud snores coming from the living room. Charlie had been convinced to stay on the couch after the game ran into overtime, and a few beers, although she knew she'd have to have a talk with him in the morning about his attitude. Her phone dinged in her hand as it lit up, almost immediately starting to ring. She knew the number that popped up and accepted the call. "Hel-."

"Bella!"

Alice's joyful cry made her smile. "Hey Alice. How are you?"

"I'm fine, we're all fine! Or, you know, as fine as we can be. I should be asking about you, you're the one I never see anymore!"

"I'm good, I guess. Why are you calling me on Rose's phone?"

"Alice! Give it back, I said you could say hello, we have important things to talk about!"

"But I haven't gotten to talk to her at all!"

Bella tried to interrupt the two vampires' arguing. "Guys-"

"I don't care, you can catch up later. Now give it back!"

There was a scuffle on the other side, making Bella worry they might break the phone, and then an outraged cry from both girls before a male voice drawled on the other side, "Hello Bella."

"Hi Jasper. Are they ok?"

"They'll be fine, Alice has been on pins and needles all evening watching when it was good to call. Sorry she got a little excited. Here's Rosalie."

Bella made a mental note to make sure to call the pixie vampire once in awhile, waiting for Rose to come on the line.

"Bella. Sorry, she snatched the phone when I wasn't looking. Are you doing okay? Did you tell the dog, sorry, Jacob, what was going on?"

"Yes, we already had a meeting with the rest of the Pack. I was thinking maybe doing a video call with Carlisle to talk things over so the Pack is prepared. I don't suppose you found anything out in the last few hours?"

Rose's heavy sigh answered that question, her annoyed voice griping, "Figures he'd pull another over-dramatic stunt like this. I told Carlisle he was pining and moping, he's had every rendition of Romeo and Juliet playing on a loop for three months!"

Bella cringed making Rose laugh. "What does Carlisle say?"

"You know how he and Esme are when it comes to Edward. But honestly, I think they're worried. He's been on the phone with everyone we know, save the Volturi of course, but no one knows anything. Alice has been giving herself a migraine trying to see him, we're not sure how he's avoiding her so well."

Bella rubbed her temples, trying to soothe the headache she could feel forming. "I can't believe he's acting so childish about all this."

Rose snorted, her tone disbelieving. "You do remember what he did when he thought you were dead, right? He really is a petulant child, when he doesn't get his way he throws a tantrum and pouts. Carlisle and Esme have spoiled him and never made him act like an adult. Don't forget Bella, Edward was seventeen when he was turned. The venom doesn't just halt our aging, it can halt our mental and emotional maturity too."

Bella filed that away to think on later, reminding Rosalie to call if anything changed, and hung up. Snagging one of Jacob's clean shirts she changed into it and burrowed into the blankets, falling into a troubled sleep as she waited for her wolf to return home.

As the sun peeked through the trees Jacob watched Emily climb into her car and drive away, emerging from the woods when her car disappeared down the road. He stood on the porch a few moments before he knocked, trying to gather his thoughts.

"Jacob?"

Sam's voice pulled him from his musings and he turned to see the former Alpha watching him warily from the yard.

"Sam."

The two men sized each other up, Sam finally breaking the tense silence. "Sue said I should be good to patrol soon."

Jacob nodded, watching as Sam slowly ascended the porch and gestured to the front door. "Would you like to come in? I think Em left some muffins from this morning."

"No. I came because we need to talk Sam. I waited till Emily left because she didn't need to hear this."

Sam's eyes narrowed slightly at Jacob's stern tone, subconsciously reaching up to touch his nose before he could stop himself. "I don't know what you mean."

Jacob's wolf scoffed angrily, echoed by the human half as he crossed his arms. "Don't try that with me Sam. I spoke to Leah. She told me what happened yesterday. What on earth has gotten into you?"

Jacob watched the visible anger flash in Sam's eyes, the former Alpha bristling at Jacob's demanding tone, his own wolf raising its hackles slightly at the challenge. He watched Sam take a deep breath and tilt his head slightly to show submission before shrugging. "I don't know. Ever since our fight, its like I'm being pulled in two directions. I care for Emily of course, my wolf is content with her and wants to make her happy. But then it's like the human side of me woke up finally. You know how much I care for Leah, the imprint couldn't erase all of that."

Jacob pondered that for a moment, his mind running as he tried to come up with an answer for Sam's dilemma. "We'll have to talk to Old Quil. He may have an answer." He looked up at Sam to see him nod before continuing. "But until then you stay away from Leah. No shifting, no patrolling, nothing."

He saw Sam's eyes flash defiantly, his fists balling up at his sides. Jacob growled lowly, shifting his eyes to gold in warning. "Sam."

He saw the shudder roll through the former Alpha, Sam begrudgingly tipping his head to the side as he submitted. Jacob walked over to him, clasping his shoulder briefly. "If I need to I'll order you to stay away. But Leah has enough to deal with without you putting her through all of this again. Not to mention what it would do to Emily. Until we figure out what is going on, you stay away from Leah."

Sam's had dipped down and after a moment he nodded. Jacob squeezed his shoulder before moving past him and heading back to the woods, not seeing the hard glint in Sam's eyes or when his fist cracked the railing as a deep growl rumbled through his chest.

Jacob slipped through the window silently, his ears hearing the faint snores of his father and Billy. Knowing they'd be sleeping at least a few more hours he quickly shed his cut offs and crawled into bed with Bella, her even breathing making him careful not to wake her. Instinctively she reached for him, her eyes peering at him sleepily as he pulled her into his chest. "Morning."

Jacob pressed his lips to her forehead, feeling his body relax at her touch. "Morning. Sorry I woke you."

She shook her head, snuggling in closer with a yawn. "I was waiting for you. Knew you'd be back soon. How'd it go?"

Jacob gave her the quick rundown of the quiet night of patrolling and his conversation with Sam. He watched Bella's forehead wrinkle in concern as he told her Sam's confessions. "We need to talk to Old Quil as soon as possible. He may know what's wrong with Sam and how to fix it before it turns into a big blow up."

She nodded, her eyes still troubled and Jacob tilted her head up to meet his gaze. "What's wrong?"

When she didn't answer right away Jacob rolled her beneath him, hovering over her where she couldn't escape him as he waited patiently. "Do you think this is our fault?"

When he raised an eyebrow at her she blew out a breath and traced random patterns on his chest as she explained. "Sam was fine until we got together. I know he wasn't supposed to be the Alpha, our friendship kept you from phasing before him, so he became the Alpha. The Alpha needs a mate to keep the bloodlines strong so he imprinted on Emily, Leah thinks its because she can't have kids. Now that you're Alpha and the bloodline is secure, Sam goes back to being a normal shifter without that burden to protect the bloodline. What if the imprint is weakening because of that?"

Jacob mulled over Bella's theory, rolling to the side with a sigh and rubbing his face wearily. "Maybe. But that isn't on us Bells. We've gone through hell and back to be together, maybe I'm being selfish for saying it, but even if that's whats causing it I don't regret it one bit. And I'd do it all again even if this is the outcome."

He would have continued but Bella's lips on his interrupted him, leaving him slightly dazed when she pulled away with a smile. "I know Jake. Me too. After everything I think we deserve to be a little selfish. But we need to figure this out before someone gets hurt. Leah has been through enough, not to mention poor Emily, I don't want her going through this again. As strong as she is, I think it would break her and I don't know if she'd be able to put herself back together. So as soon as we can, we'll go talk to Old Quil."

Jacob nodded, wrapping his arms around her as she snuggled back into his chest, thanking the spirits for her as they drifted off to sleep together.

A/N: So there we are. Hopefully wasn't too rough for you, I was wrestling with the last two sections for months. I know we didn't focus on anyone else this chapter, they'll be coming up soon though. I'm already working on the next chapter and my other story Bound to You so hopefully they'll be updated soon. I won't give dates for now since it all depends on my daughter's sleeping schedule. Thanks for reading, let me know what you think!