Author's Note: Hey guys! Remember when I said I would be exercising my creative license? Yeah, it happened in this chapter. We are not following the usual timeline of events, as you've probably guessed. Anyway, enjoy and lemme know what you think! It's a little shorter than normal, but I'll make it up in the next chapter.

Chapter 5

It's been roughly two months since I've moved to Forks, Washington, and about a month and a half since the bonfire. Since the bonfire, Jake and I have become closer. Because of Jake's work schedule, we weren't able to spend a whole lot of time together. After the first week of not seeing Jake at all, I made my way down to La Push to his home that Saturday. Billy told me Jake was sleeping, and I told him I didn't mind waiting. I talked with Billy for a long time in the living room (turns out he didn't think I was rude after all!). He was a pleasure to talk with, and had the wisdom of a person who had lived multiple lifetimes. Soon, however, we both started getting hungry. I offered to whip something up in the kitchen, if he didn't mind. Billy shook his head sadly, stating he barely had any food and was waiting for Jake to get up so they could go to the store. That broke my heart.

Instead, we'd ordered four boxes of pizza, Billy assuring me Jake would finish the leftovers. We ate together, making small talk. As I sat and talked with Billy, I realized he was fun to be around. Having grown up without a father, I lived vicariously through the stories Billy told of Jake growing up. The way the older man spoke of his son made my heart swell with pride. They reminded me of me and my mother.

Jake had awoken a few hours later and joined us, him looking at me curiously the entire time. I would never tell Jake I missed him. It would go to his head.

After spending several hours with Jake and Billy, I left to go home. On my way home, I contemplated the living situation of the Black household. The house was dusty and the shelves were bare. Jake was probably too busy to help out with regular household chores, and there was so much Billy could do. It was then I resolved to help them out as much as I could.

On Sunday, I visited with groceries in tow. Jake, who was on his way out for his shift, eyed me curiously. Billy, who was beside Jake on the porch thanked me, but assured me I needn't pity them. I informed him I did this to help, not out of pity and that I loved cooking. Billy eyed me before allowing me in the house. I spent the entire day cooking and, by the time Jake returned home, the food was ready. Billy and Jake ate enthusiastically, both complimenting me on the food. I promised them this would not be a one-time thing.

The next weekend I came over once again. This time Billy and Jake had groceries waiting for me. The wheel-chair bound man told me I didn't have to cook, but it would be much appreciated. I laughed, waving him off and got to work in the kitchen. This time, I decided on a roast and brought along my slow cooker. While waiting, I cleaned the kitchen and living room. Billy, of course, told me it wasn't needed, but I told him I needed to stay busy while the food cooked. Billy seemed to accept that excuse and let me work.

The next couple of weekends worked much like the previous ones, except when I cooked and cleaned, Billy left me alone for the most part. Occasionally, he would strike up a conversation if the game wasn't on, but considering it was baseball season, his eyes were usually glued to the television. Billy also acted as my taste tester. I figured I could put him to work, as well.

Today was Friday, and I had taken the day off from work after working late the previous night. I decided to spend the next three days with the Blacks. I stood at my counter, making notes on what I was going to cook for lunch and dinner for today, tomorrow, and Sunday. I smiled, satisfied with my notes and left out. I got in my car and, in five minutes, was on the road heading for La Push.

The country road was long and narrow and I zoned out slightly thinking of Jake. I hoped he would be able to take off soon so we could spend more time together. I figured since Billy was wheelchair-bound, a good portion of their income relied on Jake, not that that was a bad thing since I knew Jake would do anything to take care of his father. Maybe soon he would tell me about his job? I was really starting to worry about him. I wonder what he could possibly do that would make him work crazy, unstable hours. I figured as long as it was legal, I would be fine with whatever it was.

I couldn't help the smile that graced my lips when I saw the little sign for La Push a few miles yards away. Recently, I've been feeling drawn there, like I need to be there. I shrugged. Maybe I was so drawn to La Push because I was spending the majority of my time there. I was starting to know La Push like the back of my – Oh shit!

I broke hard, my car coming to a screeching halt. Who the hell stands in the middle of the road?! Where did she come from an – why are her eyes red?

I suddenly felt panic overtake my features and had an overwhelming urge to get to Jake as soon as possible.

It all happened in a blink of an eye; one second she was a few feet away from my car, glaring at me, the next second she disappeared. What the-? Was that just my imagination? My eyebrows shot up as I heard the not so distant sound of a howl coming from the forest. Why did that howl bring me comfort? Could it be because the Quileute viewed wolves as sacred and were seen as protectors in their culture?

"You smell divine." My head snapped to my left. How the fuck did she get to my door? Didn't she disappear? I didn't have long to dwell on it as her hand busted through my window. I screamed and shot over to the passenger side of my car. I wanted to get out of the car and run, but if she could disappear and reappear at will, I didn't have a chance.

I screamed once again as she dove through my window, reaching for me. I reached for the passenger side handle to open the door. Once my fingers hooked it, I felt myself fall from the car. I tried to right my body so I could run, but an iron grip found its way around my ankle, tripping me in the process. I fell on my face and hands, scraping them both in the process. I screamed for help, for Jake as frightened tears began to fall from my face. The red head flipped me over, smirking at me, her red eyes boring into mine, teeth bared (where those fangs?!). I've never been so terrified in my life. "You will make a wonderful addition to my army." Army? What army?

Suddenly her head snapped up and she jumped back, what had to be at least half of a football field. My vision was replaced with a russet-colored blob. I wiped the tears from my eyes and lifted my head slightly so I could make out what was standing over me. I gasped as I realized the russet blob was a huge wolf standing over me protectively. The wolf's head was low, and I'm pretty sure its teeth were bared, I couldn't really see since his body was blocking me. I was able to make out the unmistakable sound of a growl.

My head fell back on the ground, my eyes now filling with tears of relief. I couldn't explain it, but every fiber of my being began to practically scream to me that I was now safe. I didn't question it. I heard more growls, so I turned my head to my right. More wolves began emerging from the trees, teeth bared and growling dangerously low.

"It's over, Victoria." I couldn't see who said that, but the voice sounded familiar. I sat up a little and peeked out from behind the russet wolf. My eyes widened and my mouth dropped open in confused shock. Wasn't that the man we saw with Bella? He was standing with a group of people, all with the same eye color as him.

The red head hissed violently before disappearing into the trees to the left. The group of people and the wolves who emerged from the forest all ran after her. The russet wolf remained behind.

I took deep breaths before crawling out from under the wolf, standing shakily to my feet. I grunted as I felt pain shoot up my leg from where she grabbed me. That would probably leave a bruise. The wolf turned to me, eyeing me in worry. Was it examining me? I watched it warily as it sized me up. After all, just because I felt like I was safe, didn't mean I actually was, especially now that the threat was gone.

The wolf walked closer to me, stopping roughly a foot away from me. Its eyes looked familiar, but at the moment I couldn't place them. It glanced between me and my car and back again. I cocked an eyebrow in confusion.

"Are you telling me to get in the car?" I asked. It nodded. "You can understand me?" I asked, more to myself, but it nodded anyway. I stared at the animal in awe. Perhaps this is why the Quileute revered the wolf so.

I walked backwards, keeping my eye on the wolf, who seemed to eye me in anxiousness. When I got to my door, I groaned as I saw all of the broken glass. I carefully brushed it off of my seat before getting in a closing the door. I glanced back at the wolf, who was currently looking off towards the woods in agitation, before taking off again. I glanced to the side and saw the wolf following my car, keeping up with the speed. Once I finally crossed the boundary line between Forks and La Push, the wolf ran off, out of sight.

I continued on the road, more alert that before just in case the red headed woman came back. What was her deal, anyway? She just attacked me for no reason! Was she on something, or just genuinely nuts? And were those fangs I saw? And her eyes…I couldn't stop the shudder that made its way down my spine.

I turned off down a familiar road and soon found myself in front of Jake and Billy's home. I opened my door and, before I could get out of the car, felt familiar hot arms removing my seat belt before grabbing me out of the car and holding me, his nose buried in my hair. After what had just happened out on the road, I welcomed the contact, tears in my eyes, and buried my face in his… bare chest? I inhaled sharply and blushed as I realized Jake didn't have on a shirt. I swallowed hard and took a deep breath to compose myself before running my hands in circles on his back, soothingly. "Jake? What's wrong?"

Jake pulled away slightly, gazing into my eyes, but still holding me close. The emotions running across his feature were too much and I had to look away. Jake pulled me closer so my head was resting on his chest. He cradled it gently and rested his chin on top of my head. "I can't lose you," he said, voice laced with emotion.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Why was he talking like this? He couldn't have known what happened on the road, right? I smiled at him, though it was forced. "You won't lose me, Jake. Trust me, if your table manners hasn't run me off yet, I think you're stuck with me," I joked, hoping to ease the tension. Maybe now wouldn't be a good time to tell him about my run in with the red-head.

Jake pulled away once again and gazed into my eyes. It looked as if he wanted to tell me something, but didn't quite know how to. He opened his mouth before closing it and shaking his head before turning it away.

I reached up, placing his head in my hands and turned it towards me. "Jake, remember I told you that you can tell me anything?"

Jake sighed. "I know you did, Ash. But I – this is different."

I removed my hands from his face and smiled gently at him. "There is nothing you can't tell me, Jake."

Jake stared into my eyes before nodding and grabbing my hand. He turned my hand palm-up and glared at the scrape on it. I winced at the intense gaze. Jake took a deep breath before releasing it. "Not here. Let's take a walk."

Unlike our other times together, we walked in a tense silence. I eyed Jake from the corner of my eye; his lips were pursed and his eyebrows were furrowed in deep thought. I was worried. What could he possibly have to tell me that had him this worried? The smell of salty air filled my nostrils and I couldn't help the contented sigh that escaped through my lips.

We walked on the beach, hand-in-hand before stopping near a log, Jake motioning for me to sit. Once I was seated, Jake straddled the log, changing the hand that was holding mine with the other one. He looked down at my scraped palm, fingers caressing it lightly, before looking at me.

"Ashley, before I start, promise me something?" I stared at Jake before nodding. "Promise me that no matter what I tell you, you'll still accept me?"

I eyed Jake in confusion, taking in his tense, shirtless, pleading form. "Does this have to do with your job?" He nodded, squeezing my hands lightly before letting go. "I promise."

Jake sighed, taking a deep breath. His deep chocolate brown met my own lighter brown. "Do you remember the legends told that night at the bonfire?" I nodded slowly in confusion. Where was this going?

"Well… they're true. The red-head is what we call a cold-one," Jake said. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. The red head? I eyed Jake suspiciously.

"How did you know about the red head?" I asked.

Jake didn't respond right away. Instead, he lifted his hand to my face, running a finger lightly on my scrape. "I know she gave this to you, as well as the ones on your hands."

I felt myself go slack-jawed as I eyed Jake. He wasn't there, was he? If he was there, why didn't he help? Unless…

I looked into Jake's eyes. There was so much emotion there, but that's not what I was looking for. His eyes…they were the same as the wolf who helped me earlier. I gasped softly as realization hit me.

"You – you're?" I couldn't get the words to form. Jake nodded sadly, his eyes now downcast. The man who I had been spending all of my time with, the man I had been thinking about nonstop since we first met, was a...protector? Which, from what I understood from the legends, was Quileute for werewolf. Jacob Black was a werewolf. That would explain why he "worked" all hours of the day and night. Wait…was he working so hard because of the red-head?

I looked at Jake and felt my heart lurch as I took in his defeated posture. He was so vulnerable now. I'm sure this secret weighed heavily on him. I reached for his hand, causing him to look hesitantly at me.

"You were the one who save me today, weren't you? The one who stayed with me?" I asked, holding his large hand in both of mine.

Jake nodded, his gaze once again locking on mine. "Yeah, the others went after the red-head –" his gaze lowered to the sand, "but they weren't able to get her." Jake started trembling slightly before grabbing both of my hands in his. "I swear to you on my life, Ashley, we will get her. And she will never harm you again."

As Jake gazed at me, his eyes fierce with determination, I couldn't help but to believe him. I took a deep breath before asking, "Is she why you became a…protector?"

"Partially, but she's not the reason I phased."

I eyed Jake in confusion. She's not the reason he phased? That must mean…"There are more …vampires?" Jake nodded. "Near here?" Once again he nodded.

"Remember the guy we ran into that day after coming from the diner?" My eyes went wide and I gasped for the umpteenth time. But wasn't Bella with him? Did she know? I voiced that thought to Jake who just laughed bitterly. "She knows. She knew exactly what she was getting into when she started dating him."

Why did that not surprise me?

But then again, I couldn't really blame her, could I? Here I was, talking to a shape shifter like it was the most normal thing in the world.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. "You said 'others.' Are the others the guys I met at the bonfire?"

Jake nodded. "Sam's the alpha. He's grooming me to take over one day, since I'm technically supposed to be the alpha. I never really wanted it. I still don't want it."

I looked at Jake in surprise while he glanced out at the ocean. Jake was the son of the chief and supposed to be alpha of the pack? Talk about pressure.

I moved closer to Jake, finding comfort in being with him. "So what is the red-head after?"

Jake sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Bella." Jake sat and explained to me what happened and how the pack is on babysitting duty. Sheesh, that girl sure starts a lot of problems.

We sat in silence, gazing out at the ocean. The waves were rough as they crashed onto the shore. The clouds that were far off were dark and slowly moving to cover the light. All-in-all it was a beautiful sight to behold.

"You know," Jake started, standing up and sitting back down, this time putting his legs out in front of him, "you're taking this surprisingly well for someone who's had no experience with the supernatural before today."

I shrugged. "The truth is I'm terrified." When I saw Jake flinch, I quickly added, "Not of you, Jake. You couldn't scare me if you tried." Jake smiled at that.

"Then what are you terrified of?"

"The red head."

Jake was kneeling in front of me in an instant, hands folded across mine. "I told you Ash, she won't get to you."

I shook my head. "I'm not afraid of her getting me, Jake. You said you'd protect me, and I trust you to. It's just…the way she looked at me today. And her eyes…" I trailed off, shuddering at the thought.

Jake pulled me to his form once again, kneeling between my knees. I blushed at the intimate gesture. I was also a little upset that he was still taller than me even while kneeling. That didn't stop me from sighing in contentment.

Jake pulled back slightly, his face still close and caressing my face in his hands. "I promise you, you will be safe."

I felt my pulse quicken as Jake leaned in slowly, looking at me for any sign of resistance. I met him half way, our breaths now intermingling. I closed my eyes as Jake claimed my lips in a tender kiss. I swear I've never felt anything better in my life than Jake's soft lips against mine.

All too soon the kiss was over and we were staring at each other. Jake's face broke out into the biggest grin I'd ever seen him wear, and right now, I'm sure my face mirrored his own.

"I've been waiting a long time to do that," Jake said, still grinning. I…giggled? I never giggle! I guess if it's just in front of Jake, then it's okay.

"We've only known each other for two months, Jake," I said rolling my eyes. "So does this mean you're taking me on a date?"

"Are you begging?" Jake asked, wiggling his eyebrows. I laughed.

"No, just asking. Although, I wouldn't object if you asked."

Jake chuckled. "I guess I could ask. But there is one more thing I have to tell you before you agree to anything."

I raised an eyebrow in question. "Sheesh, Jake, I thought I knew everything about you," I teased lightly.

Jake smiled. "I swear, these are the last two things I was keeping from you," Jake said, standing up and brushing his knees off before sitting back next to me, not leaving an inch of space between us. "There's something that occurs within shape-shifters that's said to be rare. It's called imprinting."

"Sounds…serious?" I said. So what, they make some kind of brand or something? Jake wrapped an arm around my waist and I leaned my head on his shoulder.

"It is. It's how a werewolf finds its soul-mate." I snapped my head to stare at Jake who was looking at me with the same look he had on his face that night we met. "Once a werewolf imprints, he becomes whatever the imprintee needs; a friend, protector, lover. The two are inexplicably drawn to each other." I stared at Jake in wide-eyed confusion.

"And have you imprinted?" I asked.

Jake smiled at me. "Yes, I've imprinted on you."

I was left breathless at the look Jake gave me. "When?"

"The night we first met. That's why I dropped to my knee. I really was 'captivated by your sheer amazingness,' as you put it," Jake said gazing into my eyes.

I'm pretty sure my eyebrows were in my hairline as I gazed at Jake. I was Jake's soul-mate? "How is this possible?" I asked more so to myself than Jake, my eyes lowering in thought. "We've only known each other for two months."

"The Spirits put us together." I glanced at Jake who looked worried. "Is this okay?" He asked timidly.

I smiled reassuringly at Jake. "It's fine. Just… a lot to take in. I never thought I'd move away and find my soul-mate. Although, it is great knowing that I have someone I can always count on, no matter what. What does this mean…for our…relationship…exactly?"

Jake exhaled before smiling at me once again. "Whatever you want it to mean. You set the pace."

I don't know what I did to meet someone to like Jake, but I was grateful. "How about we take each day as it comes?"

"I like the sound of that." Jake stood up, smiling down at me before offering me his hand. I took it, and he gently pulled me up. "Come on, I need to speak with Sam. We need to formulate a game plan. I won't have the red-head getting to you again."

We began out trek back to Sam's when my phone began to ring? I looked at the caller ID and saw it was Jake's home number.

"Billy?" I asked. Jake and I stopped walking.

"Ashley?! Is Jake with you?" I glanced at Jake who motioned for the phone.

"Dad? Are you okay?" Jake's eyes widened, filling with tears. I immediately became worried. "I'm on my way."

"Jake, what's wrong?" I asked as he handed me back my phone.

Jake gazed at me brokenly. "It's Harry Clearwater. He had a heart attack…he didn't make it."

Author's Note #2: I had to add some romance, it being Valentine's Day and all. Hope y'all enjoyed this chapter and had a wonderful holiday! Next chapter, things start to get interesting!