Chapter 2: The One Where Everyone Else Finds Out

I can't believe it. I actually got sleep. I haven't had that in months. So what if my dreams consisted of nothing but my imprint? Imprint. I still can't wrap my head around it…or should I say her. Kelly Price. The one the universe believes is the "One" for me. What does that even mean anyway? The "One"? Soul mates, people who were meant to be together and could never be separated. I always figured Bella was that for me. I mean if the bloodsucker would've stayed away, everything was just like that. Too bad she can't see it. And, of course, it figures that last week on the run I ran everywhere, mentally begging any girl I ran into when I got back on two feet to imprint with me. Anyone; I didn't even care who. Of course then I had no answer. Now I do and I'm kicking myself.

Then last night came the dreams. I swear my dreams only meant to show me what could be not that necessarily will be you know? Kelly and me hanging out, laughing, smiling being happy. So happy I felt everywhere, my skin, my bones, even in my heart … That didn't seem too bad, I could handle that. As long as that was it. But no, of course not. I also saw me going in for a kiss and feeling that familiar feeling when all you want to do is make that other person feel the same way you do, love you like you love them… I'll be damned if I admit I liked what could be possible. Not when Bella's still out there, still with that murderer of a husband about to pick her off. I just need to stick to my plan. Be her friend and just fulfill any need she has in a friend capacity. How hard could that be?

Suddenly, I heard a crash from the kitchen. What the hell? I flew out to find Rachel picking up a pan. She glanced up at me and I smiled, bounding over to her. "Rach," I said, wrapping her into a bear hug, "It's good to see you."

"You too little brother," she said, smiling up at me.

"What are you trying to do?" I said, seeing more than just one pan out.

"Thought I'd make Dad some breakfast, you hungry?"

Out the window I already saw Embry and Quil headed my way. Glancing back at her, "I'm fine. I'll be back later."

"Okay, can't promise there will be anything left."

"No worries," I said, about to leave before I paused for a sec then said, "You know, you could get out for a bit Rach instead of being cooped up here. I know Dad wants to see you but he'll keep you inside forever if you let him."

"Maybe I'll head down to the beach a little later then," she smiled, "Now stop worrying about me, that's my job for you, little brother."

I flashed a quick smile then headed out the door, going to meet Embry and Quil by the tree line. This is it. The minute I phase they're going to know. All my thoughts right there for them to see, the whole damn scene last night and everything along with it. I'm not ready. I can't even begin to think about it. It's bad enough the jabs they're going to give me but wait—they're coming to me. Is there news? It has to be more than a patrol…we do patrols later, closer to night. It's happened. He did it on the first night while he was—I balled my fists and grit my teeth. How'd he do it? A freak accident maybe? He certainly is a freak so it would make sense. Or maybe their plane crashed with no survivors? Or maybe they all just disappeared…Balling my fists I ran towards Quil, Embry, and the woods. The minute a reached the tree line the heat surged through me and the shivers until my paws hit the ground.

It happened didn't it? Let's go, I'm ready to tear him apart.

Whoa slow down Jake. Sam just wanted us to do a quick sweep of the woods.

Now? It's daylight.

Yeah but with tourist season he wants us to keep an eye out. Plus we don't know if any guests are still lingering…

What's up man you seem a little…out of it.

Embry's right…I know with the wedding yesterday—

I'm fine.

You weren't then.

We know you just want to take the Cullen's down—

Just the one about to murder the woman I love.

Dude Jake we'll take care of it.

Like Sam said though, they have to make the breach.

We fell silent for a few as we ran. Patrols didn't take long thanks to our speed. We ran past first beach and finally back towards my lane which wasn't too far down from…

NO WAY!

Crap. You weren't supposed to see that.

You planned on keeping it from us? Jake this is awesome news!

Yeah I guess.

You finally imprinted. This is great. Looks like you're next Embry.

Jake, how come you don't sound as overjoyed as Quil here? I mean he could be overexcited because his girl isn't going to be old enough for awhile yet…

It's no big deal.

No big deal! Are you kidding? Jake she's already ready for you and we can't wait to see how happy you'll be.

She just wants a friend right now. That's what I'll be.

It won't last forever, don't worry. How could she not love you? But wait a sec…you want it to, last that is? How can you even still be holding on to Bella? She should've disappeared the minute this happened...are you really that stubborn?

You can't just let the person you love the most go…

Yea, you can because she's not the person you love most—not anymore. You have to—Jake where you going?

I shifted back. I couldn't take it anymore. They're never going to understand. Every day, all of them will sound just like Quil. "Let her go" "You'll love Kelly if you don't already" "She's meant for you, Bella wasn't". I can't take it. They're going to keep on me until I see it their way. But I can't. Sure my blood is telling me I love her already because it's picked her. But what about who I pick? It doesn't matter, not now. Kelly wants a friend and that's what I'll be.

I need to find her, be near her right now. Ironically enough she's the only one who can calm me down right now so I don't fight Quil or Embry who are right now telling everyone… Kelly. I have to find her. The way I gravitate towards her…I don't know if I'll ever get used to this. Not being by her for the night, I actually felt like I was missing something and I know it's her. She is the sole focus of my world to keep me sane. That's exactly how I used to—do feel about Bella.

I found myself already at Kelly's window where I left her last night. I felt her inside before I even came close. The shades already sat mostly open. I saw her lay there, leaned back on the bed with her hair, though slightly messy, around her shoulders as she rubbed her eyes. Beautiful. Stop, just stop it. Damn blood. There's only one girl for me. Kelly? She's just a friend. Friends. Just friends. I knocked on the glass, watching her jump for a second before giving me a warm smile. She tossed her feet over the side of the bed, unhooked the latch and grinned, "You know in the daytime I do open the door."

I chuckled, feeling my anger wash away. How does that happen? A few words from her and I'm calm. I shrugged, "I figured this way you wouldn't have to walk that far."

"Thought you were going to call?"

"This was easier."

She smiled then shook her head, "So what's the plan?"

"You wanted to hang out. You tell me." Whatever it is, just keep my mind off the fact everyone knows I'm bound to you for life and feel the need to remind me, you know, every second.

She laughed again, "Yes but we've only just met and kinda agreed to not learn the basics. I don't have any idea about anything you like to do. Plus I don't want to hang around here and see you get grossed out by girly things like bras."

I have two sisters, fat chance of that. If Rebecca could've not left those in the bathroom as I was growing up…I rolled my eyes then replied, "Where do you want to go?"

She paused for a second then answered, "How about the beach? It's peaceful there."

"Sure."

"Give me a sec; I better leave a note for my brother and uncle in case they get back first."

She disappeared for a few moments. I really had to stop staring at her. But each time I looked at her I saw something else. How has it not creeped her out already? If some giant stared at me I would be creeped out instantly. Maybe that's another way to keep this from changing everything, I'll just creep her out… Sighing, I tapped the window sill impatiently as she popped back into the room, "Ready yet?"

"Yup, just let me grab a sweatshirt."

She hopped out the window though I offered a hand for assistance. I led her towards First beach, not saying a word. If I don't say anything she can't get too attached right? She won't though, she can't…she just wants a friend. Friends stay quiet, listen you know be sensitive and stuff like that. I just wish I could stop noticing everything else about her. Like how her smile makes me smile or how her eyes sparkle when she grins or—luckily the beach isn't far. As soon as we got there, she climbed on one of the giant tree trunks that the waves wash in. I climbed behind her and sat close. But not too close. Friends close.

She sighed, looking out at the waves before turning back to me, "So what now?"

"Don't know," I shrugged, "You're the one who wanted to come this way."

"I can't help it. It's nice to just look out at the waves and relax. They're calming and help me forget things."

Forget things? Like what? She says stuff like that but she doesn't want any questions. I'll just leave that out there. But did she have to say it like that making me so damn curious?

Suddenly she turned to me and asked, "Your sister get in yet?"

"This morning"

"Bet your dads stoked."

"Won't shut up actually, not that I blame him."

"What about you?" Kelly asked, turning to face me.

"It's good to see her again," I said, looking around. And it is. Without Rachel being home and after me being gone, Billy needed it. And I just realized how nice it was to see my sister. I guess I really missed her too. I turned back to her, resting my forearms on my knees, "It's been a long time. Last time I saw her she left for college."

"So then why don't you sound so excited?"

I met her eyes, which in truth was not helping me or I guess maybe it was. Just looking into them I felt calmer, happier and mainly like I could tell her anything. There's not a question she couldn't ask that I wouldn't answer or anything she could ask for that I'd turn her down. Having someone with complete control over me like that...you'd think I'd be pissed but it feels normal. God I'm an idiot. I turned back to the tree as I said, "Just got a lot of stuff on my mind."

She sighed, stuffing her hands further into her pockets as she said, "If I'm talking too much which part of me thinks I am 'cuz that was kinda the point of hanging out…just tell me to shut up."

I half smiled. She thinks she's talking too much? I could listen to her for hours. Her voice—dude, get a grip. Friends remember? My eyes didn't leave the ground as I admitted, "Actually I don't mind as much."

All of a sudden her phone went off surprising both of us. She gave an apologetic look as she glanced down. As I watched her read it, I saw the sparkle fizzle out to be replaced by something else. Pain? What's that about? Whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly after she texted back. She shut her phone and turned it to vibrate as she said, "Sorry. I know what you mean though. I got a lot on my mind too. We should do something so we can get our minds off of everything."

"Like what?" Please make it something that will work. It's a long shot but hey—still worth tryin'.

"I don't know," She said, leaning back, "I was actually hoping you would have an idea," her eyes scanned the beach and before she added, "Wait, I have an idea after all. How about we race to that tree sitting in the middle over there?"

Is she serious? I mean, I know she doesn't know about me yet but even so I actually still look athletic…"You probably won't win" I grinned.

"Guess we'll find out," She countered with a smile.

"You're on."

We both jumped down and got ready a few feet from the tree. We crouched just like the Olympians do. Kelly waited a moment or two before she said, "Alright 1,2,3!"

I ran slower, well slower than normal, not actually to let her win but at least give her a fighting chance. Somehow it didn't seem to matter. When I reached the tree I turned to see her struggling behind me, her chest heaving to get the air in and bright red cheeks. Immediately I felt a little bit of guilt but she wanted to do it after all. One of my hands resting on the tree, I grinned at her before saying triumphantly, "I win."

"Let's try again," she panted, her hands resting on her knees as I took a breath, "Back to where we were, go!"

I even gave her a head start this time. I don't want to be a jerk, ya know? But this time something felt different. I still smiled because I did win after all and who doesn't smile when they win? But I could see her breaths really coming sharply now and could hear the wheeze from her throat. When she put her hands on her knees again I stopped smiling. Now it was serious. I have to help her. I can't let her suffer. I appeared at her side in seconds, gently patting her on the back before asking the stupid question, "You ok?"

"Yeah," she replied, wheezing again, "Just need to rest a sec."

Crap. I did this. Of course I still had to show off even if she never had a chance in hell. Damn. Guilt washed over me as I held her arm, escorting her over to the tree to sit. She looked fine but her breathing said otherwise. I stared at her, checking over everything to make sure nothing else could possibly be harming her as I said, "Why'd you race me if you knew this would happen?"

"It hasn't happened in a long time," she answered, leaning back a little, "Apparently I'm just really out of shape compared to what I used to be. Besides I'm fine now. See. No more wheezing."

"You wanted to test how in shape you were?" I asked, stupefied. Who does that?

"No," she laughed, "I wanted to see if I could still run like I used to. Sounded like a good idea at the time. If I was still in shape you wouldn't be the one bragging."

I snorted, "Keep telling yourself that."

"I will," Kelly chuckled before she asked, "Can we go grab a drink of some kind somewhere? I need water or something."

Finally, she had a logical plan. I nodded slowly having her take my arm again, lifting her to her feet. We started walking back, but I kept watching for anything that might signal to me she felt worse than she said. This girl might be the death of me more than the life. I've never had to worry about someone so much. Well except…We stopped at the store which sat roughly a block or two from the beach. The bell chimed as we walked in, Embry's mom smiling as she said "Hello."

"Hey" I said with a smile, "Can I get a water please? My friend's a little dehydrated."

"Of course," she said, handing one across the counter, "89 cents please."

Kelly smiled, handing her money over. "Thank you," she said before opening the cap and taking large swallows before it disappeared.

"Feel better?"

"Yeah actually," she said as we stepped outside. She tossed the empty bottle into the recyclable container then looked back to me, "By the way, are you doing okay? Your hand feels like it's on fire."

Crap. I totally forgot. My temperature from being a wolf. How the hell am I going to explain that? A voice in my head said I didn't have to because she's my imprint, I can just tell her the truth…I shoved my hands into my pockets. I'm not telling her…today.

"Yeah I'm fine. I just have a…" I searched for the right word. Wolf problem? No. A cold? No or I'd be sick all the time. A… "condition."

"Oh," Kelly said then shrugged, "Okay…well whatever, so now what?"

"Well I was going to meet up with Sam and everyone else. You have met them right?"

"Yeah," she nodded, "You were actually the last one I had to meet."

The word she emphasized in that sentence threw me. Had to? She needed to meet me? I stood a little bit taller with that. Well I'm glad she really wanted to but why? Did she have some compelling need because she's my imprint?

Kelly looked away for a moment but then said, "And where exactly were you planning on meeting them?"

I raised a brow. "You've met everyone and you don't know where they all end up?"

Kelly nodded, "Emily's. Of course. Let's go then."

We got there in no time. Opening the screen door and walking inside, I let her go inside first. The look on her face made me want to laugh out loud. Her eyes grew wide and mouth hung open the minute she saw the piles of food needed to feed a wolf pack. Jared, Paul, Seth, Embry and Quil all sat around the tiny table with Brady and Collin leaning against the counter. Like normal, each of them had a mountain of food piled on their plates which disappeared although it seems like Seth is slacking. Today Emily had hot dogs and brats and at least 5 pizza's. She probably should've got 10 just to be safe. Sam and Emily stood off to the side and I saw her eyes light up when she saw who I walked in the door with. Great. Here it comes. Everyone knows. They better not say anything. Coming over she turned to me, "There's still more if you're hungry."

Thank god that's my cue. I nodded, heading towards Sam and picking up a slice of pizza. As I took a bite, Sam glanced at his fiancé then me, "She's beautiful."

"Well of course you'd say that about the woman you're going to marry."

"You know who I meant, though of course she is."

"Don't start, Sam."

"We're all happy for you."

"We're just friends," I said, finishing of the slice I was on, "That's all she wants and all I need to be. It doesn't change anything."

"How can it not?" He asked, "You feel like I do for Emily. You can't get enough of her. Don't tell me you're still trying to hold on to—"

"And what if I am?" I stared at him, "This was supposed to be a rarity in our tribe and look, almost all of us have done it. Who says I can't just be friends with her and keep on loving Bella? The rules are being rewritten every day."

"Jake," Sam shook his head and chuckled, "It's not a choice, surely you feel that already. She's perfect for you. You don't need anyone else. You should already see no one else can compare."

I grabbed another slice and scowled. I didn't want to hear it. Why can't they be like her and not want to talk? Now I understood the need to find someone who didn't need to know every thought in your head.

Suddenly she walked over to me. Glancing at both of us she said, "I think I'm gonna go. I have my uncle and brother to feed but we'll hang out again soon, yeah?"

"Sure," I nodded but I wished she'd stay. As long as she stayed I wouldn't be the main topic of discussion. Or maybe they'd tell her anyway. God I wish she'd just stay. I need her around or I'm going to lose my mind. There has to be some way to… She almost fully turned as I added, "Maybe you could stop by my house tomorrow and come meet Rachel."

Sam chuckled and I glared at him. Not like that. Geeze I can't do anything without them thinking it's because I already love her. Luckily it didn't faze her as she smiled, "Okay. Well I'll see you tomorrow then."

Kelly waved to everyone else and walked out. I watched her go, mentally cursing her for leaving but respecting her need to. I don't think I'm ever going to get used to the contradictions I feel. But she didn't know the lectures I was about to get. As she shut the screen door, she glanced at me one more time. We caught each other's eyes for a minute before I heard Quil say, "She's better for you than Bella, Jake. You have to see it right?"

I clenched my fists before I lunged but Embry stepped in front of me, "C'mon Jake, we're just looking out for you. You imprinted, that means she is your perfect match."

I glared, "Look, I know all of you think this is great but Bella is always going to be the one for me. Just because I imprinted…you're whatever your imprint needs. She needs friend and that's what we are, friends but that hasn't made me lose sight of Bella or what that murderer is about to do."

"Jake—"

"Just forget it," I said, opening the screen door, "Let me know when you hear something. You know where to find me."

"At Kelly's," Jared cracked.

I slammed the screen door. I really wanted to break his nose. I wanted to fight—it doesn't even matter who. I ran my hand through my hair as I trudged towards my house. I'm not going to fall in love with her. Not because that's what my blood wants. If I'm going to love someone it's gonna be for me. And right now, the woman for me is and will always be one person—Bella.