Chapter 24: Close Call

After that night, I tried giving her space. Tried. She did spend most days without me but it's like when night came all bets were off. I don't know if it was just me having no self-control when she asked or maybe her inability to not ask but I always ended up there. Right next to her. Her head on my chest. Feeling her soft breaths against me and running a hand through her hair. Protection. That's my excuse. That's all it is, an excuse. She's back in my life and I really was tryin' not to be clingy but now, having you know given in to this feeling -I can't friggin' stop wanting to be close to her. Apparently she felt the same or she wouldn't want me next to her. I have no idea how she feels really. Does she still love me? Does she still want to be with me? Part of me wonders...do I want to know? Could I handle it if she doesn't?

A good week passed. She's been at work most of it and while she's been there I've been trying to focus on Drake and gettin' that bloodsucker away from her. Nothing but silence on that end. I'm pissed about that but also relieved. Is it too much to hope the leech decided she was too much work and ran off? That's not how it is though. He's waiting somewhere and planning. But what? I'm there every night so I know he hasn't been around her but that doesn't mean he's not watching. He's a creeper after all. Creepers gonna creep.

It's driving me nuts not seeing her all the time though. Like we used to. I mean...I will see her. I see her after work and at night. Still...After finally telling her everything...well not everything. I didn't tell her I imprinted. And why the hell not? Oh right...I didn't get a chance to. I tried but she didn't want to talk any more that night she came back. I get it but at the same time I know I'll have to continue to hear it until I do. Every time my thoughts are open the pack let me have it for not telling her and I just keep saying how every time I try, something happens. Of course then they go on and on about how it should've never taken this long as...basically I just phase back at that point.

How am I gonna tell her? Not exactly just something I can throw into conversation. I don't want her to be madder than when-not after I just got her back. I finally have her back in her house and I'm allowed through the window and next to her. If she left again…I can't even think about that. I have no idea what I'd do. If two weeks broke me...what the hell would forever do?

Weeks passed and we got into a sort of routine again. I walked her home from work, protected her at night. Hell I even got invited to dinners with Joe, Eric and Leah. Which were awesome, well except for Eric and Leah. They're still as lovey-dovey as ever. It's gross but at the same damn time that's how I want to be with her. I want us to be that disgusting. For her, I'm like a lovesick damn puppy dog. Yes. I did the pun. Freakin' sue me.

Finally, June hit and I decided to surprise her at work. She did say I was always a good surprise right? Sitting there behind the desk, I watched her help the customer in front of me. She flashed that smile I loved so damn much. Girl doesn't even know how beautiful she is. Guy in front of me doesn't even know how lucky he is to get that smile. I sure as hell do and I will never take it for granted. I saw her eyes sparkle in the light, and maybe just a little bit more when they saw me.

"So," I said, leaning my elbows up on the counter, "This is what you do?"

"Yeah," she said, "Pretty much. Sit here and wait for people. Check them in and out. Nothing too spectacular."

"It's better than doing nothin' and gettin' paid nothin'," I smiled.

"You're not wrong there," she smiled, "Still it can get kinda boring from time to time."

"Is this...okay?," I glanced around, "I mean I've been walking you home and watching you at night but that's to protect you," I sighed, "I miss actually seeing you and you know, hanging out. "

"It's fine," she put her hand on mine, "I miss it too."

I glanced back at her, never wanting that hand to move. We met each other's eyes for a moment before she looked away. She squeezed my hand before she pulled away.

"You uh," I gulped, "You almost done?"

Damn I want to tell her. Right here. Right now. Have her jump into my arms...I mean I hope it'll be like that and not a slap to the face with anger and tears. It's happening today. No more waiting. No more excuses. She needs to know why I never want to be without her. I hope I didn't wait too long. Though at the same time guess it'd serve me right if she was mad since I did wait...a long time. Still hoping for the happy though.

"Yeah, just like 10 minutes. I'll finish up my last duties. Meet me at our usual spot?"

"Yeah," I smiled. Standing up I headed for the door but turned back, getting one last glimpse of her before heading out. she just laughed and shook her head. As I walked down on the beach, I tried to run though how I might bring it up. This was it. I'm finally gonna tell her. Crap. How am I gonna start? So uh Kelly I uh I imprinted on you and didn't tell you because I'm a stubborn headcase who doesn't know a good thing when it runs into him-literally. Oh and sorry for the hell I put you through, though...I sighed, leaning against the giant tree trunk. I can't mess this one up. Everything is riding on this. Our happiness, our future…

10 minutes feels like a lifetime. Still, no closer to how I was going to say it. Maybe I just need to be direct. Kelly...I'm your imprint. Please never leave. She loves corny. I could try that angle. Kelly, you're the best thing I'll ever get in this life and I know because I imprinted on you when we met. Stay with me forever...I sighed again. Why am I so bad at this?

I glanced over and saw her running towards me. A lump grew in my throat. Geeze did she really miss me…? Well that's what I was thinkin' until...until I saw her eyes. Her eyes weren't sparkling. They were wide and pupils huge. She blinked and trembled. I'd recognize that anywhere. Fear.

"Hey," I said, straightening immediately my senses on edge, "You okay?"

She hugged me tight without saying a word. Then I smelled it. Drake.

"What happened?"I demanded.

"Drake."

"What about him?" I gritted my teeth. Idiot. You were just there. I didn't smell him then though...was obviously too wrapped up in my thoughts to smell him down here. I glanced down at her, feeling her shake slightly.

"He came in after you left," she said, still gripping my arms, "He said some BS and left but…"she swallowed, "I don't know he's just giving me the creeps. H-He doesn't even care that you were out here!"

Cocky son of a-I stopped mid thought, focus. I turned my attention to caring for the one in front of me. I gently ran my fingers on her arms to calm her.

"What'd he say?"

"He said...you're lying to me which I know is crap…"

How...how the hell does he know I haven't told her about imprinting?! He's been listening...watching us not just her. He's prepping for his move, but what is it and when?

"... and that once I find out the truth I should go find him. But he's nuts and getting crazier by the day," she swallowed, looking up at me, "Jake...you know me, I don't really get scared of anything but...he's starting to scare me...like really scare me."

I swallowed. It's my fault. He should be out of the picture. Why the hell isn't he? I'm going to get everyone...convince Sam this is top priority. I pulled her closer to me, feeling her against my chest. "It's like...it's like he'll do whatever it takes to get me and I just...I don't want anything to happen to my Dad or Eric...anyone here."

"Nothing's gonna happen," I said, gently kissing her hair, "We got this."

We better. I never want to feel this again. Her shaking against me and her face with worry lines...oh hell no. She doesn't deserve this. I should be kissing her until she's breathless not consoling her because a psycho leech is obsessed with her.

She squeezed me again before she whispered, "Take me home."

I kept an arm around her. God I'd never seen her like this. Even before we met, I've heard Emily tell me nothing got to her. She's the bravest person I'd ever seen...until today. I have to kill him. That damn leech. Damn him for making her feel like this and-

The stench...freakin' unbearable stung my nose once we came in range of her house. I ushered her through the window, running around. If he's here he's dead...The freakin' bloodsucker would pay. I hopped in through the window and clenched my fists. "He's been here."

I smelled it all around. Outside and inside. IN HER ROOM. He's been in her room.

"Watching me," she said, swallowing and closing her eyes, "Even with you here."

I immediately closed the distance in a couple strides, taking the spot next to her.

"Hey," I said, pushing some hair to the side, "We're gonna get him. I won't let anything happen to you or your family."

"I know," she answered, giving me a half-hearted smile.

I pulled her into my arms. She didn't offer any resistance, just melted against me like always. "He'll never get you," I swore, to her and to myself.

I swallowed a second. This is it. This is the perfect moment...to tell her why. Now. Tell her why she'll never have to worry about anything ever again. I can make her happy, make her smile again, make her feel safe…"I uh, I need to tell you something…"

Her eyes met mine, the sparkle still barely twinkling, "Yeah?"

"Kelly, I've been meaning to tell you-"

A knock interrupted me. Dammit. Outside, Quil stood there. I opened it quick and he said, "He's headed west- let's go!"

I hopped out, phasing as I ran. I'll tell her when we come back. After he's dead she'll have two reasons to be happy. Leech wasn't alone. Had a couple flunkies with him. They flanked him as they all ran. We ran them up and around through every inch of the woods near La Push but then they crossed into Forks.

"STOP!"

"What's up?"

"We can't cross."

"And why the hell not?! They're right there!"

"The treaty."

"BS, the Cullens aren't there."

"They are now. Bella's on summer break from college."

"Crap."

"Bastard leech knows it too."

"Know's we won't cross."

"Leech is freakin' taunting us."

I howled in frustration. This can't be happening. So close.

"We know how you feel Jake."

"How can you?"

"We all want to protect the town...our loved ones."

"She's scared...more than I've ever seen her.I'm not about to let that thing come near her again-"

"We'll take care of it."

"Yeah-like always."

"So what now?"

"For tonight, they're not going anywhere. Jared and Paul will stay here, watch them. Jake and I will take the morning. The rest of you go home and rest up, this will all be over soon. I can feel it."

It will be over soon. I'm sick of it. Part of me didn't care and wanted to cross the line but Sam's alpha order really sticks. I phased back as I came close to her house. I walked up to the window and hopped in. On the bed, she already curled up into a ball. I saw the goosebumps on her forearms. It will be over soon. I slid up next to her, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close. "He'll never get you," I whispered, "I'll die before that ever happens."

I didn't sleep. Just watched as she did. I stood by the window a couple of times. Daring him to come close so I could take him. What's he waiting for? Before I knew it, the sun was coming up. Sam appeared at the window before long. I gave her a kiss on the head before I hopped out the window. We ran a sweep surrounding the house before meeting back at the window. Nothing. He's playing games and I've had it.

"How is she?" Sam said, breaking my thoughts.

"Asleep."

"You know what I mean."

"I told you already. I've never seen her like this. She's actually scared. He's getting to her which is all the more reason to take care of this once and for all."

"We will. We always do."

"It's taking too long."

"They have to be here. We can't cross the border," he paused, "We'll keep her and her family safe."

"She's my imprint Sam,-I remember the story, what happened…"

"You won't lose her Jake."

"If this were Emily you'd be feeling the same way I do."

"He's not wrong Sam. If it were Kim I'd be freaking out."

"We support you buddy."

"Thanks Embry."

"C'mon Sam, Let's try to get them. They're just bloodsuckers, they ain't too smart."

"Seth…"

"C'mon...for Kelly and for Jake...honestly do we really want to see Jake mope again?"

Sam chuckled, "Worth a try. Fine, perimeter of the town. Let's go!"

We searched the town but came up with nothing. We knew they weren't there. We knew where they stayed. The line. So that's the next place we went. We scattered, seeing if any of them would dare cross it but none did. I switched back to human form for a moment, coming close to the edge of the water and looked up. That's when I saw him among his lackeys. He stepped forward, glittering in a ray of light through the trees.

"What's the matter dog?" He grinned, "Can't come over here?"

"Looks like you're the one too afraid to come this way."

"I fear nothing from you and your pack of mutts," he hissed, "You're merely a nuisance until I win her."

"You'll never win her," I glared.

"And just how many more chances do you think you'll get dog?" he taunted, "She's given you one after the other. And now you can't even kill me."

"At least I get chances," I retorted, "And I will kill you and your leech buddies."

"I only need one," it hissed, "And I will get it. I will change her and she will be mine. Then she'll tear you to pieces!"

"Why do you always need someone else to do it for you?" I spat, "If you really want her so damn bad, take me on. Just you and me."

"You would offer her as a prize?" he grinned, "Interesting."

"She's not a prize and can't be won in any sort of contest," I replied, "And she'll never be yours."

"We'll see," he hissed, "Call off you pack of mutts then. We end this. Now."

"Done."

This is it. I phased on the spot.

"Are you nuts?-"

"This is not what she'd want-"

"Don't break the treaty on our end-"

"Enough. I'm putting an end to it. Stay back but if things go bad...you know what to do."

As soon as the pack backed up, the leech stepped forward, jumping to the bottom to where I stood. "She's deserves so much better than you dog, and when I kill you, I'll show her your carcass to prove how worthless you truly are."

I dove at him but he moved. He laughed as I dove for him again. "You amuse me...and you call yourself her protector?"

This time I stopped. I growled. We circled each other. I waited for the right moment. He's cocky. He'll make a mistake...it's just a matter of when. This time he tried to come behind me. He got there for a split second and was able to shove me off into a tree. I got back on my feet and growled. "Not giving up yet are you…" the leech taunted.

But it wasn't over. This time when he lunged at me I bit his calf, tearing a piece. He hissed as I disconnected it. He hit me away again but I rolled and came running right back at him. This time I got part of his side. I lunged again but he grabbed me in a strong lock. It reminded me a lot of the fight I had to save Bella but thankfully that fight taught me how to get out of it. This time I jumped and kicked with my back legs. He let go for that split second. I lunged again, headed for the throat when a lackey stepped in his place. I got a mouth full and tore as I saw him run back across the line and up to the trees. I spat out the other as the rest of the pack came around. I got one last look at him before he disappeared into the trees.

"Aww man, you almost had him Jake!"

"Don't I know it."

"That was stupid."

"Thanks Sam."

"We'll get him in our own time-you don't need to challenge him. He could retaliate you know...on the town or her family."

"He wasn't supposed to walk away from that fight-"

"Well he did...and now we have no idea what he'll do next."

Damn. Damn and double damn. Close. So close I almost had him but...I gritted my teeth. We all filed into Emily's. Everyone found their match, Sam to Emily, Jared to Kim, Leah to Eric...I moved towards Kelly but stopped. She wanted distance...crap. Then I watched her lips curl into a smile...god it's like she knew exactly what I needed. I moved again, standing next to her.

"Did you get him?" she asked, the hope in her voice only making me feel worse.

I shook my head. Failed again. This never has happened so much….or so often. I hate this damn feeling. What kind of wolf am I if I can't protect my own imprint?

"He went past our border," Sam added, glancing at me. He's still pissed but I don't regret what I did. I'll do anything to protect her.

"What's that mean?" she asked, "I thought you could go anywhere."

"He's been...crossing into Forks," I sighed.

"So?" she said, glancing around. No idea...she has no idea? I didn't tell much about Bella but I figured they'd filled her in on that piece. Embry filled her in, glancing at me.

"Bella and Edward are back for the summer," I sighed, "They've been back for a couple weeks now. that's why Charlie hasn't been around….It's why Drake has got away."

"Oh," she answered.

Damn. the one thing I'm supposed to be good at and I can't even get rid of the damn leech because of the treaty. If only I would've landed that bite...I gritted my teeth and balled my fists. I stopped when I looked at her. God she's going to think I can't protect her. Suddenly, she squeezed my hand. Almost every bit of my anger melted away. Does she know how much power she has over me?

"Don't worry," she glanced at me and then the rest of the pack, "I'm not going anywhere. Well not yet…"

I raised a brow. She's thinking about...leaving? Again?

"I want to meet her."

It's like a truck hit me, that's how damn blindsided she got me. Why the hell would she want to meet...

"B-Bella?"

"Yeah," she chuckled, "Bella. She was a big part of your life. Besides," she shrugged, "if we visit her maybe you can sniff around in non-wolf form for Drake. That won't violate the treaty right? Not if you're going to see her?"

"No...it won't," Sam said, glancing at me again, "And it's not too bad of an idea. I hate to say it but they might be able to help. We've helped them before."

"See," she said, beaming as she looked back at me, "It all works out."

I nodded but couldn't hardly think. This was a little much. The girl I'm crazy about wants to meet the one from before? I really don't see this ending well...I mean...why does she want to? If anyone needs closure you'd think it'd be me but quite honestly...all I need is right here already. I don't need this to go how everything else has as of late...

"You ...you sure?" I gulped, "You just got back awhile ago and…"

"I'm settled in," she said, squeezing my hand again, "I'll feel better if I just...

know her. It's part of your past...please?"

That's it. she just wants to know so we can close that chapter. Hell that's been long done...or is she worried that its not? Crap...I need to assure her it is. "I'll...give her call..or text.." I said, gulping as I turned.

Is this really freaking happening? Since I kissed Kelly I haven't thought about Bella once.I swear it's like she disappeared. I've focused everything on Kelly. Which makes sense you know, imprinted and all that. I glanced down at my phone, pulling up the contacts. I swallowed. What the hell am I gonna say? Hey Bells been awhile... still wanna kill your husband but hey wanna meet my new girlfriend?...

God I'm an idiot. I glanced back at her. She'd started talking to Emily, smiling and everything I loved. How the hell am I gonna do this? How can I not do it...for her? After all I've done...who am I to not do what she asks? Well no point in delaying it. I pressed the call button.

"Jake?" she answered after two rings.

"Hey Bells."

"I'm so surprised to hear from you...how are you?"

"I'm doing good," I said, glancing at Kelly, "How are you?"

"I'm doing great. College is good, really good."

I heard the leech in the background say, "You can tell him you're still alive."

"So what's up? I don't think you'd just call me out of the blue," she said, pausing a moment, "You sure everything's okay? You sound different."

"I'm fine...I uh...I met someone..else and uh...her name's Kelly. She wants to meet you. I uh...I told her I'd call and ask…"

"That's great Jake! I always wanted you to be happy too. When are you coming?"

I sighed, "When are you free?"

"How about tomorrow?"

"Sure...we can do tomorrow."

"I'm so excited. You deserve to be happy too."

"I guess we'll uh...see you then."

"Okay, by Jake. See you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow."

As I held my phone -I realized I worried more about the girl in the room with me now then the one on the end of the line. Maybe this is my final test, confronting my past and all that crap. I sighed. I stepped next to her.

"Well?" she said.

"We're meeting tomorrow," I answered, "She wants to meet you too."

God help me, I don't know how I'm going to make it through this one.