Author's Note: Hey everyone! Thanks once again for the reviews/favs/follows. This chapter is a little longer that the previous ones, so I hope that's ok! Now, without further ado, On to chapter 3.

Chapter 3

Jacob's POV

I couldn't stop the smile plastered to my face as I rode my motorcycle back to La Push. Ashley was amazing. She was gorgeous, smart, funny, and sensible and so much more I couldn't put into words. I was now happy the Spirits chose her for me. I guess dad was right when he said they knew what they were doing by not having me imprint on Bella.

I still missed her, though.

Not in a romantic sense. I missed our friendship and apparently she missed mine. I just can't get over how she hurt me; how she used me. But then again, I knew she was still in love with her bloodsucker yet I still tried to pursue a relationship with her. Thinking about it now, our relationship probably wouldn't have worked. I would've just ended up hurting her too, especially since I didn't imprint on her. I guess it worked out for both of us in the end.

Speaking of my imprint, I wonder what Ashley was up to now. I know I just left her, but I couldn't stop thinking about her. Her beautiful brown eyes… dark auburn hair…full kissable lips. I sighed. I wonder what she would've done if I had kissed her on the lips. If a peck on the cheek could leave her speechless, I can't imagine how she would've reacted if I really kissed her. I sighed in contentment as I let my imagination wonder.

All too soon, I was pulling up to my little red house. I parked my bike in the garage and walked towards the front door. "Dad, I'm home!"

Billy's head peaked out from the living room. He eyed me for a second before grinning. "I take it your date went well?"

"It wasn't a date," I said, though I couldn't keep the smile off of my face. Billy laughed.

"Whatever you say, son." I rolled my eyes. "Back in my day, if you took a woman out, it was called a date."

"Yeah, well back in your day you also didn't have color TV's or indoor plumbing. Things change dad," I replied, making Billy mock glare at me. "Besides, we're just getting to know each other."

"Sounds like a date to me," Billy grumbled. I rolled my eyes, walking into the kitchen. "And by you practically skipping into the kitchen, I assume it went well?" Billy asked, following me into the kitchen.

"I didn't skip, dad. If anything, I bounced slightly." I replied, rummaging through the refrigerator. "And, yeah our lunch meet-up went fine," I replied, pulling out last night's leftovers and popping them into the microwave. That steak at the diner wasn't nearly enough.

Billy grinned. "That's what I like to hear. So, when do I get to meet the lady who has my son bouncing?"

I shrugged. "Hopefully soon. You'll love her dad. She's amazing." I grabbed the leftovers from the microwave, set aside a portion for Billy, grabbed a fork and started stuffing my face.

Billy smiled knowingly. "I bet she is son," he said, grabbing a fork and eating with me.

We ate in silence. Billy looked to be in thought, which was never a good sign. Once I finished, I put the dishes in the sink.

"Sam called." I turned towards Billy who was just finishing up his food. "He said the Cullens called." I tensed.

"And what did they say?" I asked through gritted teeth. I hated those fucking leeches.

"They want to meet tonight in regards to the red-head. Sam wants you to come over by eight." I glanced at the clock. It was two-thirty. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. I had a lot of time to kill.

"I'm going to go work on the house. You'll be okay, dad?" I asked. Billy smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, Charlie will be here in a little bit. We're watching the game together."

I nodded, placing a hand affectionately on his shoulder before walking out. Lately, I've been spending a good portion of my time fixing up a house not too far from my own house. During the time I was extremely depressed with the whole Bella situation, I needed something to keep myself preoccupied, other than running myself ragged with patrols. Apparently, I was a pain to run patrols with due to my depressing thoughts. Sam all but ordered me to take some time off to get myself together. Luckily, I stumbled upon the house one day while out walking. It was roughly a ten minute walk from my current home and had long since been abandoned, and I got permission from the council to fix it up with the purpose of moving in eventually.

I walked up the steps and immediately went to work with sanding wood that I had previously chopped. My thoughts began to wonder once again to my imprint. I wonder what she's doing right now and if she was thinking about me. I wonder if she's willing to meet my family. I wonder how she'll react once she finds out I'm a werewolf. Hopefully she'd accept me. We're made for each other so she'd have to, right?

I was jolted from my thoughts as my phone began to chime. I looked at the caller ID before answering.

"Home of the whopper, what's your beef?"

There was a slight pause on the line before the most beautiful voice I've ever heard replied in amusement: "Really Jake?" I grinned.

"I couldn't resist. What're you up to?" I asked, sitting on the floor.

"Nothing much, I just got home from work. I had you on my mind, so I decided to call."

I smiled softly. "So, you were thinking about me, huh? They better be pure thoughts," I said, jokingly, causing Ashley to laugh on the other end. "But if they're not, I won't judge." Ashley laughed harder.

"Oh Jake, you're a piece of work, you know that?" I chuckled.

"So I've been told. By the way, you have the most beautiful laugh I've ever heard." There was a pause, and I swear I could hear her heartbeat speed up before she cleared her throat. She was probably blushing.

"So, uh," I could practically hear the blush over the phone. "What're you up to?"

"Other than making you blush? I'm working on the house I told you about." I said smirking.

"Don't flatter yourself, Jake. You didn't make me blush." I chuckled as I imagine her glaring at me. I loved how lively she was.

"Clearly, I flatter you enough," I replied. I loved these conversations with my imprint. I just wish she was in front of me right now so I could actually see her responses. "So, what are you going to do tonight?"

"Probably unpack some more. I never realized I had so much stuff. I also need to set up my home office. In the meantime, I'm making me some tacos."

"Sounds good. Save me some?" I replied, glaring at my growling stomach. Maybe I'll make my way over to Sam's now. I'm sure Emily's cooked something up by now.

"There probably won't be any left from this batch. But I'll make you some sometime? Or I could make you something else."

"That would be great," I said, locking up the house and walking out. "What else do you make?"

"Any and everything. I love cooking and baking. I make a mean cheesecake." If I was in my wolf form, my ears would've perked up.

"You love cooking? I think I'm in love," I said, teasingly. She giggled, the sound coming as music to my ears.

"You haven't even tasted anything I've made yet."

"I don't have to. I'm sure whatever you make will be as amazing as you are," I said, reaching Sam's house. I stood outside with my back turned towards the house, wanting to finish my conversation before getting to business.

"Ok, now you're just being cheesy. You're working hard for that date, aren't you?"

"I told you, soon you'd be begging me to take you out," I replied grinning.

"We'll see about that. Anyway, I have to get going."

"Before we hang up, I was wondering if maybe this weekend we could hang out. I could show you around Forks and La Push like I promised, that way you won't get lost again," I asked, once again feeling nervous. I really hoped I wasn't coming on too strong.

There was a slight pause. "I'd like that, Jake, and I really appreciate it. You've been so nice to me." I smiled and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "So, I'll see you this weekend?"

"Of course, but I'll call you tomorrow."

"Ok, talk to you then." She hung up and I felt my smile widen. I couldn't wait till this weekend. I turned around, smile still plastered on my face, and froze.

Every single member of the pack, save for Sam, was pressed against the screen door as well as the windows. They were all staring at me.

Fucking wolf hearing.

My smile dropped and I mentally kicked myself for my lapse in judgment. Of course everyone would be here way ahead of time so get a full stomach before going to the meeting. I glared back at them, becoming irritated.

"What?!" I growled out.

For a little while, no one said anything. Then finally Quil looked at Embry and said in awe, "Dude, you weren't lying." Embry nodded, a Cheshire-sized grin plastered on his face. I sighed, walking towards the house, the crowd around the screen door parting like the Red Sea when I opened it. I walked into the kitchen to see Emily smiling at me, motioning for me to sit.

"Congrats Jake," Emily said, breaking the silence. Those simple words seemed to jar everyone out of their stupor.

"It's about time!"

"That's great, Jake!"

"Dude, I'm really happy for you!"

"Did you get laid yet?"

"When do we get to meet her?"

I sighed and rubbed my temple as the excited voices of the pack surrounded me. I glanced at Emily, who watched the scene in amusement. Where was Sam when you needed him?

"Enough!" Ahh, there was Sam. Thank God. I'm not sure how much more I would've been able to take.

Sam walked over by me and put a hand on my shoulder. "We need to be focused on this meeting. Besides," Sam paused, smirking at me. That wasn't good, "when we phase, I'm sure you'll have all your questions answered." I groaned and glared at Sam.

"Gee, thanks," I mumbled sarcastically.

Sam laughed. "Ok everyone, eat up. We head out in half an hour."

Everyone grabbed a plate and immediately dug into the massive amounts of food Emily had prepared. Quite chatter filled the air. All of us were curious as to what the Cullens wanted.

"So,"Quil started, glancing at me. "How's it feel to have an imprint?" I felt my face instantly break out into a smile at the thought of my imprint. Embry and Quil shared a look, before turning back to me.

"What's that look for?" I asked, having caught them.

"It's just...it's good to see you happy again, man," Embry said, offering a crooked smile.

"Yeah, for a while we were worried about you," Quil added. I cocked an eyebrow. Had I really been that bad?

"I'm fine, guys. I was always fine." Quil and Embry both gave me a look. "I'm just even better now, is all."

Before we could continue the conversation, Sam was ushering us out the house. Time to meet the leeches. I stripped out of my clothes and phased.

Man this felt good. After a while, you get used to being in your wolf form. I wonder if Ashley would like my wolf form. I imagined her smiling at my wolf and running her hands through my fur.

Ah, so her name's Ashley, Paul thought, interrupting my daydream. Wow, she's actually really beautiful. I'm surprised. You usually go for the overly pale zombie types. I growled in response.

Shut up, asshole. Just because my taste in women doesn't involve a stripper pole or women with low morals doesn't mean you need to be a dick about it.

Paul, Jacob, Sam warned before Paul had a chance to respond. Cut it out. We need to be focused on the task at hand.

Paul huffed in response and I rolled my eyes. It's not that Paul was a bad guy, he was just a douche.

Paul growled in warning as he heard my thoughts. What could I say? It was the truth.

We bounded through the forest towards the treaty line. I knew we were getting close because the stench of leech hit my nose full force. Leech mixed with…strawberry? Bella's here? Why?

You gonna be okay, Jake? Quil thought. I could feel his worry, as well as Embry's.

I'm good, guys. I thought back, reassuring them. They seemed to be satisfied with my response. The truth was, I was fine. I was just confused. Why was Bella here? Was it because of what happened earlier? My mind played over the confrontation that took place earlier, trying to remember if any key details. I came up blank. Maybe I was too focused on trying to block Ashley from the leech.

We slowed as we approached the treaty line. I was right; all of the leeches and Bella were lined up, facing us. When Bella's bloodsucker saw us, he grabbed her hand and moved her slightly behind himself. I rolled my eyes. As if any of us would hurt her.

Sam phased back to human in order to communicate, the rest of us were to stay in or wolf form, in case shit popped off.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet us," the Dr. leech said. "Let me start off by apologizing to you. Emmet did not mean to cross onto your land. He was so focused on-"

Sam raised a hand, effectively quieting the doctor. "Just don't let it happen again."

Carlisle nodded. "Yes, well," he started, "I'm sure you're all wondering why you were asked to meet us here."

No shit, Sherlock. Sam stayed quiet, waiting for the doctor to continue.

Carlisle continued. "We think it would be…beneficial if we were able to work together to catch Victoria." Victoria? Was that the name of the red head?

"And why would it be beneficial, Dr. Cullen?" Sam asked, arms now crossed over his chest. I listened intently.

"She's after Bella." My eyes widened and my head snapped over to where Bella was, her eyes glossy with tears. Why was the read-headed bloodsucker after Bella?

"It's a long story, Jacob," Edward said. I growled in his general direction. Stay outta my fucking head, leech.

"I would love to, but unfortunately I can't control my ability."

Why don't you try before something bad happens to you, prick. He rolled his eyed, letting out a breath he didn't have to.

"Jacob, enough," Sam said, glaring at me. I huffed in response. His gaze went back to the head bloodsucker. "Why is she after Bella?"

Edward spoke up. "I killed her mate for biting Bella." All of the pack, including Sam stared at the leech in horror. My eyes went from him Bella, examining her with a more critical eye. She didn't smell like a leech.

"I sucked out the poison before it could take effect, thereby eliminating her turning."

That's possible? Came Jared's horrified thoughts. He was just as disgusted as the rest of us.

"Now," Edward continued, "she wants Bella. A mate for a mate." I was livid. Are you fucking serious? So because sparkles over there killed the red-head's mate, Bella's life was in danger? Shouldn't she be after him?

"We wanted to know if you would aid us in keeping Bella protected," Carlisle said. Was that even a question? Of course we would help!

"If we were to help, what would we need to do?" Sam inquired. My ears perked up slightly, listening intently. Sure, I was still mad at Bella, but that didn't mean I wanted her to die.

"Perhaps we could work out a schedule? Bella's covered mostly during the day, as long as the sun isn't shining. Besides, Edward and Alice are taking classes with her at the university. However, we're worried about Charlie. We don't know if Victoria's going to target him," Carlisle finished, looking at each of us expectantly.

So we're acting as guard dogs? Paul growled out, clearly not happy being asked to help guard Charlie. We're fucking werewolves. We kill vampires. And he wants to put us on fucking guard duty?

I understood where he was coming from, but at the same time, Charlie was family. If no one else would keep him protected, I would.

"So you just want us to guard Charlie," Sam stated, more than asked.

"Yes. Also, when Bella's not with us, we would prefer if she was with one of you." I looked around at the faces of the leeches present. Save for Carlisle and his mate, their expressions sure as hell didn't looked like they "preferred" our help. The blonde had been glaring into space since she'd been here, the big dumbass looked constipated, the pixie looked worried, southern comfort…well he had no expression, and sparkle himself, well he was glaring right at me.

Can I help you? I thought, my thoughts directed at Edward. He said nothing in response, just continued to glare. I mentally shrugged. I told him to stay out of my thoughts.

I glanced over at Sam who seemed to be mulling everything over. "And how would we protect Charlie in Forks?"

"We were thinking of suspending just a portion of the treaty, allowing you to traverse Forks as you see fit," came the response. I blinked in confusion. They're willingly suspending a portion of their part of the treaty? "The rest is still intact. We will not come into La Push nor attack humans."

Sam thought about it. Part of me hoped he'd accept, only so I could see Ashley anytime I wanted. Speaking of Ashley, I wondered what she was doing now. Hmm, probably working. I imagined her at a desk, writing furiously, brow furrowed in thought. In my vision, I walked in and rubbed her temples, instantly relaxing her. She smiled up at me and-

"That's acceptable, Sam." Huh, what did I miss? I heard a snicker across the line and saw Edward grinning smugly at me. I glared at him in return. Jackass.

Man, you've got it bad Embry said in amusement.

Sam agreed and wants to discuss the routes a little more with us to make sure we don't get spotted. Once the logistics are worked out, he'll call Dr. Leech and inform him. I glanced at Jared as he relayed the information to me. In nodded in understanding.

"If that is all, Dr. Cullen."

"Thank you Mr. Uley, as always. I look forward to hearing your response and working with your pack." Carlisle nodded towards his coven, and just like that, they were off. All except Edward and Bella. And both were currently looking at me. I sighed.

Sam glanced over at the couple before glancing in my direction. "Embry, you stay with Jake. The rest of us will be waiting in the forest." The pack left, save for Embry. I looked at Bella and her leech expectantly.

"Jake, can we talk?" Bella asked. I nodded.

There was silence for a brief minute. "Do you mind phasing back, please?" I looked at her, her eyes pleading with me. I mentally sighed before trotting of towards the tree line and phasing back to human and pulling on my shorts. I came back and stood by Embry, my arms crossed in front of my chest. I waited for them to speak.

"Jake, I'm sorry," Bella said. I cocked an eyebrow. That's it?

"No you're not, Bella. You're not sorry, so cut the crap. What do you want?"

"I want my best friend back!"

"Then maybe you should've never left!"

"I left to help the man I love, Jake. Wouldn't you do the same for your imprint?" She yelled. I felt my body tense.

"How do you know that I've imprinted?" I asked, my voice coming out through gritted teeth.

"Edward told me," was the quiet response. My gaze moved from Bella to the leech standing by her side and back.

I was silent. I wasn't upset because I was ashamed of my imprint. I was upset because it wasn't the leech's place to divulge my business. The bastard cocked an eyebrow. He was most likely reading my thoughts right now.

"She wanted to know who you were with today, Jacob. That's why I told her." I gritted my teeth and exhaled sharply.

"It's none of your business, leech. And while we're on the subject of my imprint, If she ever tells me you were staring at her again, I swear on everything I will rip your fucking head off," I growled out. I heard Embry growling as well. The pack was extremely protective of imprints.

Edward nodded slightly. "My apologies, I just sensed something…a little off, is all."

"Like what?" I spat.

"You told me you would never imprint, Jake," interrupted Bella's small accusatory voice. My gaze snapped over to her. Is she serious right now? She runs off to another country to save the leech who abandoned her and put her in danger, and suddenly I'm the bad guy for imprinting?

"Well obviously I was wrong Bella. But what do you care? You have your happy ending. It's about time something went right in my life."

Bella's eyes watered. Great, now she was crying. "I'm so sorry, Jake. I never meant to hurt you."

"Of course you didn't mean to, Bella, but you did. And I –" I swallowed thickly before continuing, "that's not something I can easily forget." Silence hung in the air. Bella was silently crying and Edward was comforting her while slightly glaring at me. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. I hated when Bella cried, but she also needed to understand the consequences of her actions.

"Now," I said, my gaze snapping back towards the leech, "what did you sense that was 'a little off' with my imprint?" I asked, making air quotations.

Edward looked me directly in the eye before replying. "I can't read her thoughts." My eyes widened in shock. He couldn't read her thoughts? "That's why I was staring at her. In all my time here on this earth, Bella has only been the only person whose thoughts I've never been able to read."

I eyed Edward, my eyebrows furrowed in thought. He couldn't read Ashley's thoughts? I wonder why. Not that I want him invading her thoughts, I was just curious.

"I'm not sure why, Jacob, just as I'm not sure why I can't read Bella's thoughts. However, if you would allow Carlisle and myself to-"

"No," I growled out, effectively cutting him off. He and his bloodsucking family was not coming around my imprint, especially when she has no idea all of this supernatural bullshit existed.

Edward raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I figured you'd say that."

"Now, is this all you wanted to talk about?" I asked. Edward and Bella nodded. "Good, Sam will be in touch soon." I turned on my heel and walked towards the tree line, leaving Bella and her leech staring at my retreating form. I took off my shorts and phased once I was hidden from view. Immediately, I was assaulted with the pack's thoughts.

Way to go Jake! You stuck to your guns, and didn't give in. I'm proud of you, buddy, came Quil's voice.

Looks like the pup has finally grown a pair. I rolled my eyes at Paul.

So the leech can't read your imprint's thoughts, huh? At least she doesn't have to worry about her mind being invaded by leech, Jared said.

I listened to the pack talk and speculate and try to formulate a plan for the Bella situation. My mind was focused on this new development though. The leech couldn't read Ashley's thoughts, but why? Did it have to do with where she was from? Was she just naturally immune? Did she even know she was immune? Wait, of course she didn't know, she couldn't. I highly doubt she's had experience with the supernatural.

We made it back to Sam's house, where we discussed a schedule based on the information Carlisle gave us. A wolf would need to be on patrol at the police station at all times. We couldn't really make a schedule for guarding Bella since we were not sure when she wouldn't be with one of the leeches. They would just have to call us in advance. In addition to that, we would still patrol La Push and add Charlie's house to the route. Once all of the logistics were worked out, Sam called Carlisle and informed him of the routes we would take, that way when they needed to feed, we wouldn't cross paths. The doctor agreed to everything before hanging up. Sam then dismissed us; he would be patrolling tonight with Paul. I would take the morning shift along with Embry. Quil and Jared would take the afternoon shift. We would then rotate accordingly.

I sighed as I walked home. Just when it seemed like everything was calming down, this happens. It looks like I would be seeing a little less of Ashley in the coming weeks. I just hoped she would understand.