…

Previously:

…

Bella was right, Embry and Quil are dorks, but in an adorable way.

Paul and Jared were just like Draco and Blaise, she realized, Paul being Draco and having a very crude yet intelligent sense of humor, and then Jared like Blaise, the same personality as Draco and Paul only a more watered down version with a sweet and charming side.

Sam reminded her of Bill or Charlie. He acted much like the older brother figure to all of the boys and even to an extent her. Besides Jake he was the one she was most comfortable around. Despite their obvious hate between races she could see a lot of similarities between Emmet and Sam. Not that she would say that out loud though.

And then Seth. He was so adorable he didn't really remind her of anyone from back home but it didn't mean she liked him any less. Seth was a little charmer that was for sure. He flirted with her more than Jacob, Jared and Paul combined but mostly to annoy Jacob.

Another thing Bella might be right about. Could Jacob really like her. Another thought for another day though. The sun was setting. Bella should be back from the Cullens now. And she still had to think of a way to tell Charlie and Bella about magic.

"Okay, truthfully. Even if you have a boyfriend, which I really understand if you do," he added quickly not wanting to upset her, "but I still like you and the time we spend together."

Hermione was in a state of shock trying to figure out if what she really heard was right, 'Did he just say…' her thoughts trailed off and what she did next she would forever blame from spending to much time with Ginny. Her Gryffindor courage shined through and she leaned up then whispered in his ear, "I don't." then kissed him on his cheek before finding her place in the passenger seat once more.

It was decided.

It wasn't such a bad day for Jacob.

And Hermione would start worrying about telling Bella and Charlie the truth tomorrow.

For now. They would enjoy the serenity of being in each others presence.

…

Now:

…

When Hermione came home, Charlie was up her backside and in her face faster than Dobby was to Harry in Second year. Not that she could really blame him she told him she wouldn't be out later than 9:00, that was officially two hours ago.

Fortunately however she was saved most of his ire for the basic fact that Bella had yet to return as well, which immediately set a tremor of fear coursing through Hermione's blood all the way to her core. And thoughts of dementors and remaining death eaters and vampires, and hell even a thought of banshee showing up popped into the paranoid witch's head. However there was very little she could do except to wait in the room until Bella returned. Which turned up to be three hours later.

Hermione waited with bated breath as she heard Charlie yell for a few minutes, the hushed whispers of Edward, a sob from Bella, the door quietly closing downstairs, then finally Bella's growing footsteps their shared door opening and then Bella's taller body crashing into her own as she wrapped her arms around her cousin and let her cry out the sorrow that was radiating off of her.

The shock that accompanied her body from Bella's touch was forced down quite powerfully and almost immediately. She could endure the pain long enough to comfort the distressed woman who was her cousin.

…

Bella's head lay resting on top of Edward's chest and she couldn't be happier, unfortunately it didn't look like Edward felt the same. His eyes held a far away look. If Bella had to guess almost disgusted in their glance and fear. Bella subconsciously recoiled back and tensed up her body. Edward moving so fast like he wanted to touch her but couldn't bring himself to do it. Edward sighed silently then rubbed his copper hair nervously before muttering to Bella that she should have been home a few hours ago.

Bella nodded numbly too shocked to get anything through her idle mind. She barely registered the fact of getting up, or finding her clothes and dressing, nor did she recognize herself step out of the room, go downstairs, or even the fact that Edward finally found the courage to place his arm around her shoulders as he led her out of the house and to his car. Bella did not mentally relax however her body did a wonderful job of betraying her mind and relaxed her body against Edward's hold.

Edward quickly opened the door for her and gently pushed her inside before speeding off and that leaves us to where we left off.

Bella turned towards Edward waiting. Just waiting for him to do something. Anything.

"Bella…" he spoke quietly turning towards the young human woman, yet before he could speak to her, her soft lips connected with his own cold hard ones. Edward kissed back very reserved and very emotion-filled.

Bella recognized this familiar kiss and this time was the first to pull back from the vampire she fell in love with. Yet before he could speak again she was already opening her door with Edward there a second later holding it wide for her to step out.

'Was I that awful? Does he hate me? No it couldn't be the last one. But what if it was. I mean why would Edward pull me along just for his amusement-' Bella's train of thought was interrupted through the sudden lack of movement and she realized that the door was less than a foot away in her sight. She sighed dejectedly and quickly opened the door ready to get her father's wrath out of the way already ready for sleep to overtake her.

As soon as she stepped through the threshold of her father's home she was engulfed in a warm hug. Not hot like Jacob's but actually warm. Like a human's touch. Like Charlie's hugs. The ones she used to get from him when her clumsiness drove home and she would fall and scrape a knee. One she hadn't received in a long time. Not that she would blame him. It's not like she was some cuddly little kitten.

"Isabella Marie Swan! Where the hell have you been?" screamed Charlie as he pulled Bella at arm's length from himself.

"You!" he yelled pointing out Edward, "You're the reason I've been up all this time worrying about Bella!" screamed Charlie for a quick moment not knowing where to begin.

"I'm sorry Chief Swan, but Alice and Bella fell asleep downstairs while Jasper, Esme, and myself watched movies with them. I fell asleep shortly after I saw Jasper take Alice upstairs and Esme take a phone call from Carlisle. It's my fault-"

"You're damned right it is." spoke Charlie coldly as Bella let out a sob.

"I- I'll be leaving Chief Swan. Not just me my entire family. We're going to visit Rose and Emmet, then leave for Italy, where my father's family resides. We…we won't be returning. I'm sorry Bella, Chief Swan. I'll take my leave now." spoke Edward never looking up to meet Bella's gaze not even when she let out another sob.

Charlie was in shock. And Bella didn't hesitate when she saw Edward's form walk towards the door never once looking at her. Not even to spare an apologetic glance her way. It was fine. She didn't need it. She didn't want it. Bella flew up the stairs as fast as she could. It was no short of a miracle that she did so without falling or tripping a few times, but she managed. And in doing so she allowed herself to fall into the awaiting arms of her cousin.

She definitely wasn't some cuddly kitten, but for now she would make this exception.

…

Summary: Hermione could not believe how she got conned into going to visit her relatives in the states after the war. There were only three things she knew for sure. First she was a very tired and exhausted warrior from war not yet ready to move on like her parents were forcing her to do. Second she was not allowed to use any of her magic. And third Hermione knew irrevocably and without a doubt that if nothing interesting would happen in Forks, Washington something or someone is going to get blown up.

Pairings: Hermione Granger x Jacob Black

Rated: M+

Edited: 05/08/12

Dark Wolf Love