Author's Note

Please forgive any spelling and/or grammar errors. I hope you enjoy it, please let me know what you think!

PS I'm not Stephenie Meyer, so I don't own anything :(

Ch 6: I saw her, and she was a fucking spitfire - Jacob

September 2016

For so long, he'd not really seen anyone else. There were times when he thought he did. Once, where he truly did, and she'd caught him so completely off guard that he'd really made himself try. It could have been enough. It almost was. He almost convinced himself.

But even their highest highs would never measure up or compare to the moment he saw Ness again once she'd truly grown up, and showed up unexpectedly on his doorstep. That was the day he knew the difference.

Today would be like that again.

Today he'd not just see the woman he loved, but his wife and eternal mate.

Year 3 - 2008-2009

August

"You know, you haven't really dated since you crashed and burned. That was almost a year ago," Aiden said, attempting to be delicate, but it fell short. Far short.

"Thanks for bringing that up. It does wonders for my ego," Jacob said more sharply than he meant to. Sleeping with Alyson was not a source of pride for him. He hated that he'd let himself get so caught up in the moment. It shouldn't have happened like that.

Maybe it sounded girly, or whatnot, but he'd wanted more for himself. He was an incurable romantic at heart. Love conquers all. Triumphs over adversity and insurmountable odds.

"It should. You were her mark," Aiden reminded him, as if knowing he was desired was enough. Maybe for some people, but Jacob had always been more emotionally invested than that.

"Your point?"

"Angie has a friend. A cute one. Really sweet. Very fun. I'm thinking double date," Aiden said, nodding as if the idea was just coming to him. "Tonight."

"You already told her I'd go. Didn't you?" Jacob realized, calling his friend out.

"Yeah, man. Be ready by seven," Aiden said, not trying to hide the fact he'd schemed behind his back.

August

His date the other night had gone better than expected. Her name was Josephine, but she went by Jo. He was taking Quil's advice to get a steady girlfriend, and Jo was very attractive. They were going out again tonight. She'd talked him into taking her dancing. Never thought he'd be into the bar and club scene, but he'd gone with Aiden a few times this last year, and it wasn't the worst way to spend an evening. Sometimes it was even fun if he managed to ignore the oppressive, offensive smells coming from the tightly packed, obscenely sweating humans. Well, that and the overly loud music that felt like he was getting his ears repeatedly boxed thanks to his sensitive hearing.

Jo was sweet. Shy when it came to talking, but kind. Her hispanic accent gave her voice a lyrical sound, and her words rolled one into another like music. She smiled a lot too, with big, full lips that he'd not minded kissing in the least. She'd been his first real kiss. The difference between that and the two times with Bella worlds apart. Not even in the same universe honestly. She'd clung to him, arms wrapped tightly around his neck with her fingers threaded through his hair to clutch him closer. The way her whole body leaned into him. Distinctly different, and so much more.

The fact he'd thought about repeating that kiss was why he'd asked Jo out again. It was nice looking forward to something again.

He'd just gotten home from work, and needed to shower before he met up with her. He stopped at the mailbox in the front hall on his way up. Aiden always conveniently forgot to check it.

The unexpected splash of green sticking up between white envelopes caught his eye. He pulled the thick piece of cardboard from the middle of the stack. The green he'd noticed was the background of a postcard. On it, large, irregular stones were arranged in a ring on a field of green clover with rolling hills in the background. The sun was setting, rays peeking through grey-lavender clouds streaking the sky to light the stones.

The image name and location was printed along the bottom, The Fairy Ring, Ballymacdermot Court Tomb, Co Armagh.

Who did he know in Ireland?

Bemused, Jacob flipped the card over to see who it was from. The neat, and perfect penmanship jumped out at him, instantly declaring the identity of the sender. Nessie. Almost eagerly, he read the message, curious about what she was doing, and why she was traveling again. Maybe he should call a little more frequently just to stay in the loop.

Jacob,

I hope your new school year is starting off nicely. Grandma Esme and Grandpa Carlisle are vacationing in Ireland. Momma and Papa agreed to let me go with them, so I can meet some of our family friends. I saw this postcard though, and thought of you. The legends of fairies and the magic of these lands called to me the way your stories do. Can you see it too? The secrets and mystery? I wonder if there are others like you out in the world. The stories must come from somewhere. Wouldn't it be amazing to find them? Take care.

Missing You,

Mae

He'd never actually considered it, but she was probably right. If vampires, werewolves, and wolf shifters existed, other shifters probably did too. Other mythological creatures could as well. Maybe someday, he'd go looking for others. He had forever if he chose. There was time for an adventure like that someday. Maybe Seth, Alice, and Nessie would want to search with him.

September

I met someone, Quil thought. The words were accompanied with an image of a very short dark-skinned girl with long black braids, a few of them colored red. She had large, deep brown eyes framed with really long, thick lashes.

It was Sunday. Jacob had begun delaying his weekly phasing until at least one of the others could run with him, even if from a distance. Over the last few months, he'd opened up, little by little about Embry, and how the events of that day plagued him. Talking about it with his brothers and sister helped him come to terms more than a year of denial had.

Occasionally, he even spent a weekend road tripping to El Dorado National Forest to spend the whole weekend as a wolf. Each time he phased, he resented his wolf a little less, and accepted that role he was born to have a bit more. One day he might even deserve the responsibility and believe he was worthy of leading the others despite the way he'd abused his power during the battle with Embry. That day was still a ways off yet.

Usually, he still had a hard time believing that they were grateful he'd tried to step in and save Embry the way he had. If it had been Sam that did what Jacob had, he'd have been furious at the way he'd stripped away all free will for a time. But they seemed to get it, and still trusted him to be their alpha. They'd not turned their backs on him. If anything, they trusted him to look out for them more than ever.

Today, Quil's was the only mind with his own.

You meet a lot of girls, Jake thought ruefully. Every time he phased Quil regaled him with his latest conquests. There was usually at least one new one each week, especially now that school had started back up. What's so different about this one? Aside from the fact that she was a knockout.

Her name is Kyra. She's sexy as hell, but so much more. She thinks I'm funny - and not just like laughing to be kind at my lame jokes, Quil thought, stunned and smitten in equal measure.

Well, that is a first. She must not have a very good sense of humor, Jacob thought only mostly sarcastically. Embry had always been the wittiest of the bunch, though he was typically too shy to let others see it until he knew them better.

Funny, Quil thought, mentally rolling his eyes and smacking Jake. You're a riot.

You're really into her, Jake realized, so startled he stopped running.

Duh. That's my point. She's older than me, in her last year of nursing school and on the dance team - you should see her move.

A flash of a dance performed at the last football game played out. Jacob spotted the girl easily, she stood out apart from the rest. A red sequin top and tiny black shorts showcased her every turn jump, and dip. Toned muscles, fluid movements, perfect curves. Once when her waist length braids whipped out, he was reminded of -

He stopped the thought, again asking, You're really into her, aren't you?

We were talking about the future yesterday, and she suggested I go to law school. Can you believe it? She actually thinks I'm smart enough to be a lawyer, Quil thought, struggling to believe she'd been serious, but as he replayed the conversation for Jake, it was obvious she'd meant every word. He could see in the memory that she only had eyes for Quil too.

You do enjoy arguing, Jake conceded. Though he was better at math. Jacob thought he should do something with that instead of law school.

Through Quil's eyes, Jacob recognized the woods he was walking through. They were the tiny stretch between his house and Quil's. His friend was in La Push today. The muddy ground had wolf prints overlapping from where others, probably Sam and Paul, traversed to Billy's on a regular basis.

Dude, so not the point. She thinks I'm smart. Me. And, yeah, I came home to tell my family about Kyra.

Quil struggled the most of him, Embry, and Jake in school, so he could see why this would startle him, but it wasn't like he was stupid. He'd just had other priorities and studying had been low on his list.

That's true enough, Quil agreed, remembering all the times he'd gone to the gym instead of editing his english papers.

Jacob saw a stray thought Quil tried to squash, understanding his friend was planning a romantic late night study session at one of the picnic tables on campus later when he returned to Seattle - from telling his family about a girl. Because it was already that serious. Wow. Just… wow.

Don't forget flowers, Jacob suggested, forgoing teasing since Quil already seemed nervous about trying to surprise her like this.

Do you give Jo flowers? Quil wondered. Jacob had told the others about her, but this was the first time any of his pack mates had actually brought her up.

No, actually, Jake admitted, wondering if he should. He'd never thought about it. Did she even like flowers? They'd been sleeping together for a little over a week now. They didn't have serious conversations, just went dancing and drinking every couple nights and had sex afterwards. It was fun, but he definitely lacked Quil's enthusiasm.

So it's different for you with her, he thought bluntly. It wasn't rude, but Jacob felt a touch of disapproval coming from his friend. Ironic considering how Quil treated every girl before Kyra. Because I wasn't looking for more until I met her - you have been, he thought, catching Jake's train of thought.

Yeah. I like her well enough. Maybe more will come if I give it time, Jacob challenged, the words lacking substance even as he thought them.

Not sure it really works like that, Quil thought, wincing internally with a touch of pity for Jake. Great. Now that was exactly what he wanted his friend to feel for him right when Jacob was embarking on a new relationship. Practically the opposite of hope.

Guess we'll see. There really wasn't anything else he could do except give it time and see if deeper feelings eventually developed if he tried hard enough. Flowers could help. Bright, colorful ones as vibrant as the skirts and blouses she liked to wear.

October

It was mid October before the next postcard arrived. Silently, he acknowledged that he'd been looking for it for weeks. Ever since Bella called to say she, Jazz, Edward, and Leah were going to meet Nahuel.

Bella admitted that Edward and Jazz were both worried that Nahuel was trying to start something romantic with Mae before she was ready or take advantage of her - they were a predatory species, after all. But Jacob had met the guy, and didn't see that happening. Nahuel was just uniquely suited to relate to Nessie, and probably wanted to make sure she had a friend that understood since he'd not been so fortunate. Jacob had recognized the deep sadness plaguing the guy. He had his own issues to overcome before he started thinking romantic thoughts.

Jacob could relate.

He wondered if Leah was deliberately avoiding him since that decision was made, or if she'd just been too busy with Edward. He couldn't say he was sorry for her not to be phasing. The last thing he wanted to think about, let alone witness, was his sister having sex with the prim and proper Edward Cullen. He probably insisted on missionary position every time and kept his eyes closed.

This postcard came from Brazil. The material felt different. Almost like a photo with a protective layer placed over the glossy surface. Jacob realized it was a photograph. And judging by the subject matter, Nessie was probably the one to take it.

So she really had liked the gift he'd gotten her. He'd spent hours learning the ins and outs of that camera, and how to repair it since it hadn't been in anything even remotely considered working order when he'd found it. Then he'd had to track down the parts he'd needed to replace the broken ones. With school and work keeping him so busy, he'd forgotten how much he enjoyed projects like that, particularly when he knew she'd appreciate his efforts.

The photo showed all three members of the Amazon coven. Jake recognized them from Seth's thoughts. All three were camouflaged by the jungle in the background, their edges blurred from motion and restless energy, and Zafrina was more in focus than the other two. Their forms were bent like branches of a tree, their hands tilted down like drooping leaves. They were a part of their surrounding, not separate entities. The image was a work of art, perfectly capturing the wild beings and demonstrating a respect for their wildness.

Flipping it over once he finally managed to tear his eyes away from the captivating scene, he read her message.

Jacob,

I took the picture with the camera you gave me. Momma helped me turn it into a postcard for you. Do you like it? Can you guess what I wanted you to see? The Amazon jungle is teeming with life and vibrant colors. Zafrina and I have been trading images, and she's helping me create more vivid and realistic pictures of things I've never seen myself. It's extraordinary. How is school? You'll have to tell me about it when I return. We're going to visit Nahuel next. Dad is anxious to meet him. Papa too, though he's better at hiding it. You remember him, can you imagine thinking he could be up to anything devious? It's so absurd! Take care.

Missing You,

Mae

Thanks to Seth's memories, he knew what the Amazons were like. He could only imagine what Zafrina was helping her create. She seemed so happy though. It was all he could hope for.

October

That weekend, he took Jo to a local pool hall. The place was dark and smoky, people ignoring the signs as they lit spliffs, pipes, and hand-rolled cigarettes throughout the room. The bar was set up as a long, narrow room with a row of pool tables to one side with the bar running the length of the room on the other. It was honestly the most fun he'd ever had with Jo.

"All right, so here's the deal," she said seriously, racking the balls at one end of the table while he stood at the other chalking up his cue. "They have nine levels of heat for their wing sauce, right?"

"I've never been here, but I think that's what I saw on the menu," Jacob said cautiously, not seeing where she was going with her question.

"Each time you miss a shot, you have to go up a level and eat at least three wings with the hotter sauce," she challenged. He was caught off guard. Memories bombarded him of all the times Nessie had insisted on making things a challenge between them. He'd missed the constant competition, the drive to one up someone. The excited thrill that raced through him at the prospect.

Of course he couldn't really compete with Jo. She lacked his heightened senses - was at a disadvantage without knowing it. But it was exciting nonetheless, even if he couldn't actually rise to the occasion.

"I should warn you, I'm pretty good," Jacob said, hoping she'd surprise him, and he'd be able to play for real without having to consciously make mistakes to keep up the ruse of being human.

"My abuela grows peppers in Honduras. I can handle a little heat if I lose - but I won't go down easy," she warned, making him laugh.

It wasn't long before he saw that she was a lot more talk than skill, but it was fun regardless. Four games, five pitchers of margaritas, and six baskets of wings later, they were laughingly making their way back to his place for a little more fun before they crashed for the night.

Jo's lips and soft curves, round and plump in all the right places, could seriously entrance a man at ten paces away. Jake had no desire to resist or deny what they both enjoyed.

October

Less than a week later another postcard arrived in the mail. Jacob recognized the person immediately. Nahuel. He was balancing on an iceberg in the middle of a pale blue lake. His dark head was thrown back, a laugh spilling from his widely parted lips. The obvious joy and fun was clear in every crisp line and focused feature. Somehow, Jacob had a hard time looking away from the lean male dominating the image.

His mind was completely blank, no thoughts forming in response to the scene he could easily visualize if he only let himself, when he eventually turned the card to read the words Nessie had written for him.

Jacob,

My fathers are idiots. Momma even agreed with me - about both of them. I know, right? Do you think they'll ever stop seeing me as their baby girl? I'm not. Not anymore. When will everyone realize that? I've always been so worried about my family that I've forgotten that I need to live my own life and have fun for my sake. I think I'm finally starting to learn how. I hope you are too. Something tells me you struggle with that as well.

Still Missing You,

Mae

She had no idea how right she was - about all of it.

November

"Are you planning to get your Master's degree? Your Doctorate? Or do you want to go straight into a career?" Dr. Campbell asked. She was Jacob's academic advisor, and she'd emailed him yesterday about stopping in during office hours today. He'd not expected the conversation to go in this direction, however.

"I honestly haven't thought much about it," Jacob admitted, shifting uncomfortably in the stiff, wooden chair. He hated getting placed on the spot like this.

"Your grades are perfect, and your professors all report that you demonstrate tremendous aptitude for mechanical engineering," she announced, surprising him. He'd thought he was in trouble, but that actually sounded… complimentary. "I'd highly recommend pursuing an advanced degree."

"They do? Wow. I'd love to earn my Master's at least, but my finances are limited," he said shyly, still stunned by the praise.

"You have a permanent address in La Jolla, correct? You don't travel out of state during the summer," she inquired.

"Yes, ma'am, I live here year round, and take extra classes during the summer." He was taking a page out of Rachel's book and intending to graduate early. A full year if possible, and he kept up as he was, but at the very least he was already set to graduate a semester early.

"Have you considered doing an internship this summer? I know you work at…" she paused to read a paper on the desk in front of her, then continued, "a local garage, that's right."

"Yes. The pay covers my apartment, so I don't have as many student loans," Jacob said, bouncing his leg a little, nerves getting to him, and making it impossible to contain his boundless energy. Did she understand he needed the employment, and couldn't afford to take on an unpaid internship on top of his already full load?

"I want you to call this number. It's a paid position with Philips - more than you're making as an auto mechanic," she said, seeming to read his mind. Or she'd just been doing this long enough to anticipate his arguments. "The spots fill up quickly, so you'll have to act now if you're interested. It's an ongoing internship once you start, and they'll pay for your Master's degree if you're willing to stay and work for them for at least a year after graduating. Tell them I referred you, and they can call if they have any questions," she finished, handing him a business card and offering him the chance of a lifetime.

"Are you serious?" Jacob breathed, stunned motionless.

"Sometimes hard work pays off. It makes an impression, Jacob Black," she said seriously, offering him a small, sincere smile.

"Thank you. I'll call them today," he promised.

By the end of the day, he had an interview. By the end of the next week, he'd been through all three interviews, and was set to start this coming June.

December

Jacob took a couple days off to visit La Push for Christmas. It was easier than before to be on the rez. Evidence that he was finally beginning to heal. The ghosts only gave him nightmares when he was actually asleep this time.

He'd missed seeing his nephew. Rachel and Billy had come with Thomas for spring break last year, using the tickets Nessie had given him, then Rachel and Paul had brought their son for almost two weeks over the summer, and stayed in Aiden's room while his roommate was visiting his aunt in Chicago, but that had not been enough time.

Thomas was nearly a year old now, and would be in a few weeks. He had chubby chipmunk cheeks and messy black hair. The one thing he loved most in the whole world, was grabbing things and throwing them. Didn't matter what the object was, if he could get his pudgy little fingers around it and lift it, it would inevitably end up soaring through the air.

Currently, Jacob was gathering the large blocks he'd given his nephew for Christmas from around the room and carrying them back to Thomas as Billy grilled him about his life. Primarily, his dating situation. It wasn't until Billy brought up the elusive girlfriend that he'd heard about from Rachel that Jacob realized he'd not thought of her once since leaving California.

"Who is this girl Rachel mentioned?" Billy asked again, as if Jacob hadn't heard him the first time. He had, there just wasn't all that much to say. They'd only been dating for a little over four months.

Jake laid down on the floor in front of Thomas, propping himself up on his elbows, determined to show the kid the proper way to play with blocks. They were for building, not flying.

Billy's grunt made Jacob glance up to find his father glaring impatiently at him. He half shrugged, and said, "Just a girl I've been seeing."

"That sounds promising," Billy muttered sarcastically, looking over at the piano he had propped against the wall in the corner behind the old armchair. When had they gotten that? And why? None of the Blacks played.

"I'm not looking for a wife," Jacob said defensively, ruffling Thomas's dark hair.

Honestly, he was still a little pissed that Paul and Rachel had eloped over fall break. Neither Billy nor Jacob had gotten to be a part of their wedding. The two had taken Thomas to Hawaii for Rebecca to meet her nephew, and the missing Black twin had convinced her sister to get married on the beach one night so she could be her matron of honor. Rebecca had gone on and on about how romantic the whole thing had been, but Jacob thought it was just her selfish way to be part of it while not having to come back to the rez.

Not that Jacob was one to cast stones. He'd been plenty selfish himself. And his glass house would surely shatter if he mentioned a single word about it. So instead he silently seethed.

'What's the point of wasting your time when you don't feel anything?" Billy demanded, more annoyed over the idea of Jacob dating Jo than he'd expected his father to be.

"I feel something," Jacob said evasively.

"Lust is not worth acknowledging," Billy denied, calling him out. Being with Jo was sweet. And educational. He'd learned a lot about pleasing a female from her. For as shy as she was in public, she wasn't around him anymore, and most definitely wasn't in the bedroom. She was completely unafraid to offer suggestions and correct him if he wasn't doing enough for her.

"She's a nice girl - I could do a lot worse," Jacob said, not entirely refuting his dad's assumptions.

"Don't you want more than nice? Don't you want a family?"

Jacob looked back at Thomas. Just in time for a thrown block to clip his nose. There wasn't any real force behind it, so the impact barely registered, but watching it made Thomas giggle adorably. Jacob reached over and tickled his nephew just beneath the chin to make him laugh again. The sound made Jake smile.

His joy was temporary though, the smile slipping as though running water was washing it away as he replied, "That's not in the cards for me. I can't have one."

"Sam's own family is proof that he was wrong to say that," Billy refuted, pinning Jacob with his dark, intense eyes. Eyes none of his children had inherited. Billy's were long and narrow, more like tiny slits, while his kids had all gotten Sarah's almond-shaped eyes.

"Dad… "

"Just think about it. That's all I'm asking," Billy begged, obviously heartbroken at witnessing the torment continuing to trouble his only son. "You could have everything. It's out there - I know it is. Don't settle for less."

January

The next postcard shook Jacob to the depths of his soul when he saw it. It was a wake up call. The startling missive arrived on the last day of January. Mae must have waited and developed the image herself after returning home. She'd mentioned intending to learn how when she called him on his birthday.

The sight of the couple on the front seemed to burn, they were so intense. A young couple, close to his age, though he couldn't be certain, stared into one another's eyes in front of a pyramid. The sun was just beginning to rise in the background, setting their skin to faintly sparkle. The glimmering was so faint, that it looked like a trick of the light or makeup, but Jacob knew the truth. It was the dawn light reflecting off vampire skin. The illusion wasn't what tore at him though. It was the love he saw. The same way each of the Cullens looked at their mates. The way many of the wolves looked at their imprints. It was blatant, undeniable, lasting - endlessly enduring - love.

The physical evidence in front of him brought to light the stark contrast of how he felt about Jo.

Nessie had a gift for conveying emotions with pictures. He idly wondered if she knew how incredible she already was at it.

Jacob,

The history here is fascinating, and I wish you could see for yourself how talented my new friend Benjamin is. He and Tia are so in love. It's inspiring to know how they've endured the test of time. Do you think everyone gets a great love like that? And if they do, is it destined or just something a person luckily stumbles upon? I suppose I'll be able to answer the question for myself someday. Next time we talk, I'll have to tell you about Uncle Emmett's antics. I'm sure they'll have you laughing as much as I did watching them.

Always Missing You,

Mae

Jacob had no answers to her deep questions. He was as green as Nessie when it came to love. Because the truth was, he was no closer to falling in love with Jo than he had been when he met her six months ago.

February

The image on the postcard lingered, almost taunting him. He did not have that with Jo. Never would. No amount of fruitless wishing would alter facts. So what was the point?

He showed up at her dorm one night late in February. He'd not wanted to end things right before Valentine's Day, knowing that would make him even more of an asshole. So he'd waited. Putting it off was harder than he expected. It made him appreciate Bella's position more. He'd meant more to her than Jo did to Jacob, and he hated that this could hurt her. It would have been so much harder for Bella. Particularly since she'd had no one else in her life at the time.

Tentatively he knocked on Jo's door, bracing himself for what he was about to do. He'd never broken up with someone before. Aiden had been on him for the last two weeks to get this done already. He didn't see the point in dragging it out, but he hadn't been able to offer any truly helpful advice either. The only thing Jacob knew was not to use the cliche line, 'It's not you, it's me.'

The door opened on a cheerful Jo, shocked by the unplanned visit. Jacob looked past Jo in her short sleep shorts and tank top exposing quite a bit of cleavage, to see that she was the only one in the tiny room. Good. Better to do this without an audience. Uncomfortable, Jake shifted his feet, wringing his hands a little, unable to mask his nerves. Even as he did that, he watched Jo's welcoming smile dim.

"Can we talk?" Jacob asked quietly.

"You want to end this, don't you?" Jo stated matter-of-factly. There was no surprise or hesitation. Jake was taken aback by the blunt accuracy of her assessment.

"That obvious?" he asked, wincing miserably. Guess he'd done a pretty lousy job of being an attentive boyfriend recently.

"It was always just a bit of fun to pass the time for you," she said, shrugging carelessly, but he noted the slightly pinched look around her eyes.

"I was trying," Jacob offered, knowing it wasn't much. She laughed. A true laugh, not hollow or bitter as one might expect after being told a guy had tried to like the person.

"You shouldn't have to try to fall in love," she chided gently, seeming much more worldly than him just then. Wish she'd shared more secrets of the universe with him before now.

"You're a remarkable woman," Jacob said a little wondrously.

"Maybe one day you'll kick yourself for letting me get away," she teased, smiling secretively and eyeing him. "Hmph," she sighed, coming to some private conclusion before adding, "Or maybe we'll both find someone we truly love." Her eyes were beginning to look glassy with unshed tears.

"I should have spoken up sooner," Jacob acknowledged, regretting how he'd handled the situation, even if she didn't seem as wounded by it all as he'd feared. They didn't have much in common, and had never really become friends, so it wasn't like they'd continue hanging out after tonight. This was really the end for them.

"I wasn't blind or unaware. People rarely are, though actually facing the truth is hard for most," she said softly. Again, he was reminded of his time with Bella. Her words were an apt description. "Bye, Jake. I'm sure I'll see you around. Good luck finding the right one."

"You too, Jo," he said, leaving because there was nothing more to say.

May

Quil called unexpectedly one day in late June. He was breathy, as if he'd just finished running a marathon when he asked, "Remember that girl I told you about a few months ago, and well… you know?"

"Kyra?" Jacob supplied, having heard about her every couple weeks since then when he phased. Quil thought of nothing, and no one else - not even Claire.

"Yeah. Her. Would-you-be-my-best-man?" Quil asked quickly, the words rushing together to form a single run-on question. Jacob took a second to process what he'd heard, and make sure he'd deciphered the words correctly before he spoke.

"You're getting married! Now? Why?" Jacob exclaimed, standing up. Adrenaline made his muscles twitchy until the very thought of remaining seated was impossible.

"She's pregnant, Jake," Quil murmured quietly, seeming awed, and just a little afraid.

As selfish as it was, Jacob experienced immediate relief at Quil's words. It was possible. Jacob could have a child with someone other than Nessie if he ever decided that he did indeed want kids.

The rush of being able to breathe easily was quickly replaced with concern for his friend, and the predicament he now found himself in. "You're sure?"

"Yeah," Quil said slowly, and Jake could picture him nodding, dumbfounded.

"Is the wedding just because of the baby?" Jake asked as cautiously as possible. He had a feeling it would have happened eventually. Quil was mad for Kyra. But he wanted to make sure - for his friend's sake.

"No. I've gotten around - you know I have -" Quil started.

Jacob interrupted, not needing to hear any further reminiscing, and said, "I know far too well - and too much."

"I love her. I knew it as soon as we met," Quil said simply, and Jacob internally agreed.

"Congratulations then. I could tell something was different," he acknowledged. Just the way Quil spoke and thought of her made that perfectly clear. The way he hadn't lost interest all these months later only supported it.

"I really see her. Every future I envision includes her - her and our child, children maybe," Quil breathed.

"Already planning on more? You haven't even seen if you can handle the first one while juggling parenthood with college," Jacob cautioned, knowing Paul and Rachel had already decided one was plenty. Thomas was a handful, and kept them busy enough.

"She comes from a big family, seven siblings, and wants the same. I'm an only child. It sounds kind of exciting," Quil said, having no firsthand knowledge of what he was agreeing to. Poor guy. Jacob's sympathy only extended so far. He'd babysit one - not a half dozen or more.

"What are you going to do about Claire?" he asked, thinking of the girl. She'd just finished kindergarten.

"She's thrilled to be an aunt, and I promised she could be the flower girl in the wedding," Quil said immediately.

"You already told her then," Jake said, trying to mentally play catch up. This seemed to be happening at warp speed and his brain was trotting along behind like a little, old grandpa.

"Yeah. I'm looking forward to making her babysit someday the way I have for her," Quil said eagerly, and Jacob pictured him watching her play with toy race cars the way he'd sat through a princess tea party complete with play makeup.

"Nice," Jacob finally said, not having anything else to say. So he added honestly, "I'm really happy for you, Quil."

"There's one other thing…"

Jacob waited, but when he didn't come out with it, Jake prompted, "What?"

"I know you've never come out and forbidden us the way Sam did. I know -"

"Are you saying you told her?" Jacob asked quietly, glancing over to make sure Aiden was still fully engrossed in the video game he was playing on the couch.

"Everything. Yeah, I did," he said, sounding like he was bracing himself as he awaited Jake's wrath.

"Quil… " Jake breathed, not really knowing what to say. Quil intended to spend his life with this woman. She was carrying his child. A child that could one day shift too. She deserved to know the truth. To be prepared, and not be put in the situation Lainey, Embry's mom, had.

While he understood that Sam's fear had driven him to issuing the orders he had, that would never be the choice Jacob would make - he couldn't make decisions for others. He had enough trouble making them for himself. Doing so was the primary reason he struggled with Embry's death. Quil had the right to decide who he trusted. Same as Jacob had wanted to trust Bella years ago.

"I won't keep secrets from her. And if we're having a son? I don't want him raised the way we were. All the secrets and lying. It made things so much worse. Don't you remember?" Quil rambled, defending his actions.

"I do," Jacob agreed, still struggling to figure out how to give voice to his thoughts. "You did the right thing. You have my full support," he finally settled for saying. It wasn't the articulate phrasing he'd been searching for, but it worked, and he was rewarded with the gushing sound of his friend's relieved sigh.

"Thanks," Quil muttered.

"I take it from the way the conversation went earlier that she took it well?"

"Not at first, but then I showed her," he admitted, sounding a little abashed.

"That was probably not your best move given her condition," Jake said drolly.

"What other choice did I have? She thought I was either crazy or making up an excuse to get out of taking responsibility."

"And afterwards?"

"She'll keep our secret. She's one of us now - raising the next generation," Quil said proudly. Jacob pictured him puffing out his chest like a peacock just because his swimmers were successful - even when they weren't intended to be.

"If it's a boy -"

"He'll grow up knowing the truth, and I'll give him the choice when he graduates high school. If he doesn't phase on his own before then, if it's what he wants, I'll take him to visit Alice and Seth - let her trigger it in a safe environment - I trust the Cullens," Quil said. "Man am I glad Seth has shacked up with a vampire."

"Never thought any of us would ever utter those words, but it is awfully convenient. Rachel and Paul are planning on the same," Jacob revealed. It wasn't something they advertised, not knowing Sam's views on the subject, but Paul had discussed it with him a couple months ago, asking Jacob for his support in case Sam objected. It was easy enough to give.

"That's how it always should have been," Quil said, acknowledging a truth Jacob was still coming to terms with, and sorting out what he planned to do about in the future.

The path was there. He could take it. Make changes. Lead his people. Direct the course their future took. He could see it, but he still had some distance to cover before he reached it.

"I'll make sure it is from now on," he promised, though he figured Quil already recognized that he was still a ways away from figuring out how to keep the vow. Luckily, he had a little time.

May

The final postcard from Nessie's family vacation, or world trip, arrived in May - the day after Quil's bif revelation. Seth had told him to expect it. The front displayed a black and white image of New Zealand's majestic peaks, somewhere in The Remarkables, with Seth and Alice dancing in the snow on one of the lower peaks. Somehow it reminded Jacob of the timeless picture of the WWII sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square that still circulated today. It possessed the same sweet, hopeful promise of eternal happiness and love.

Jacob,

New Zealand is my favorite of the places I've visited this year. We've only been here for two days, and I already feel like its become part of my soul. Someday I'd love to live here. It's the most beautiful country, so majestic and magical - full of wonder and possibilities. I wish you were here to see it too. Please promise you'll visit someday. I haven't met any friends of the family here, but Auntie Alice and I have eaten a lot of sheep - Seth loves them too. Every day is an adventure. Seth and Alice have kept me busy searching for adrenaline rushes. Apparently, Momma used to enjoy the same with your help. I can definitely see the appeal, and I can't wait to hear more about it from you later.

Forever Missing You,

Mae

Seeing his packmate so happy didn't make Jacob jealous for once. No. He felt only grateful that another could have the life he wanted. The life they all sought.

May

Crunch! The sound of metal crumpling and glass shattering was compounded by the metal frame of his open door shaking within his grip from where he'd just braced himself to climb into his rabbit.

"Are you serious?" a woman demanded, throwing her door open to step up and out of the car that just rear-ended his as she failed to parallel park.

She was one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen. Far superior to any of the girls on campus. Coffee-and-cream skin bespoke a biracial heritage. She had waist-length hair of tight ringlets, like a million light brown slinkies cascading down her back, bouncing individually with her every movement. Pale, seafoam green eyes dominated her oval face and even made him overlook the large, flat lips shaded to a dark burgundy the color of red wine. Perfectly arched brows and long lashes made it hard to look anywhere except her unusually bright eyes.

Long legs and a slender body were sheathed in a tight, bright blue dress and black booty heels. The fabric wrapped tightly over her skin, emphasizing her assets and build without being obscene about it. Large filigree silver earrings peaked out from her curls, and as she stood, he heard the clinking of her silver bangle bracelets.

"You just hit my car!" she accused, wobbling slightly in her heels on the uneven, cracked pavement. With them, she was nearly as tall as him - at least six-foot-three.

Jacob looked from his feet - one foot on the floor of his front seat, the other on the pavement of the road. Then he took in the keys in his hand - not anywhere near the ignition. Bemused, he glanced back at the beautiful woman continuing to rage at him.

"Oh, don't give me that. I know you didn't hit my car in the traditional sense," she said huffily. "But have you seen yourself? How could I not be completely distracted with you standing there like that?"

He took inventory of himself. Not three minutes earlier, he'd tied his surfboard onto the roof of his rabbit. Currently, he was shirtless in low-slung board shorts, and a bit of sand had dried onto his chest. One of his knees was bleeding from getting rubbed past raw each time he'd popped up for a wave. Accelerated healing actually meant the flesh had mended, but repeatedly tearing open the same spot meant still drying blood streaked down the front of his shin. Not his best look, but certainly not his worst either.

"Sorry?" he tried, not really sure what to say in this situation. It was unlike any he'd ever found himself in.

"Sorry? Sorry! This is the last thing I needed today. How am I supposed to make a good impression in a job interview if they think I can't even drive?" she yelled, getting louder with each word. Hastily, she tossed her wild hair behind her shoulder, seeming annoyed with the thick mass. "And how am I supposed to pay for this when I lose out on the job of a lifetime?" she demanded, more of the universe than him.

"Can I take you out? After the interview, of course," Jacob requested, shocking himself. She was mesmerizing. So over-the-top and larger-than-life. Just looking at her reminded him of how Quil looked at Kyra in his mind.

"Are you serious?" she demanded, pausing to study him. Not unlike how one would look at a crazy person.

Huh. That had been a little sudden. Not to mention contrary given the circumstances.

"Yeah, I think I am," he said, going for it anyways. She was too spectacular to pass up. All that fire and passion sparking around her as she yelled at him. He was drawn like a moth to a flame.

"Is this so you make sure I'm good for the damage to your car?" she asked speculatively.

"I can repair that myself. Yours too. No cost. I work at a shop just up the road," he offered, wondering if that would be enough to entice her. His internship with Philip started in a week, and he'd agreed to stay on part time for the summer at the shop because his former boss hadn't replaced him yet. Hopefully he'd find someone soon, but for now, Jacob planned to take advantage of this opportunity.

"You'd do that? After I just went off on you like a crazy person then accused you of ulterior motives," she demanded, face scrunched up like she was trying to figure the maze that was him out, but every path she took resulted in a dead end.

"Well… you're nervous about the interview, right? I'm sure that was part of it," Jacob said, explaining the accident away as logically as possible. Prior to this he'd always been sort of dismissive of people that were careless enough to get into car accidents. Between his mother and his interest in cars, it'd turned into a sort of hang up. Especially after all of Bella's accidents on the bike.

"You know what? If I get this job, then yes. I'll consider you my good luck charm, and we can celebrate," she said, face smoothing as she came to a decision about him.

"Hey! What's your name?" he called as she turned to go into the five story building just off the beach.

"Natalie," she called, not looking back at him - a first.

"I'm Jake," he called, wondering if he should wish her good luck, offer his number, or ask for hers. Hell, he didn't have to be at work until this afternoon. She seemed worth the wait. How long could a job interview last, anyways? "I'll just wait for you here, then, yeah?"

She finally glanced back at him, tossing an enticing smile over her shoulder that invited him to wait all day if that was what it took for the opportunity to see her again.