Author's Note: Hey guys! Thank you to everyone who reviewed last chapter, as well as favorite/follow. You guys rock my socks! Anyway, things begin to get a tad more stressful for everyone. Also, why the hell does everyone stare at Ashley?

Hope y'all enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 6

Jake and I made it to, what I assumed was, the Clearwater household. There were multiple cars parked outside and the door was open. Jake took my hand firmly in his before we walked in. I glanced around and saw a few faces I didn't recognize. Jake led me into the kitchen where a woman with long jet black hair sat, crying slightly. Jake immediately walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her in comfort. The woman leaned into his embrace, letting a few more tears fall. Jake whispered a few comforting words to her before releasing her. Jake glanced over at me, beckoning me with his eyes to come closer. The woman also glanced in my direction, a curious look on her face. I nervously walked over, grabbing Jake's hand and smiling softly at the woman. Jake introduced the woman as Sue Clearwater, wife, or rather widow, of Harry Clearwater.

"I'm so sorry for your loss," I said sincerely. The beautiful woman nodded sadly, tears in her eyes. My eyes watered slightly. I couldn't say I knew how she felt, because I didn't, but I couldn't imagine losing my mother, or Jake for that matter.

"Thank you," was the watery reply. Sue looked completely broken, but then again, if I lost the person I decided to spend my life with, I'd probably look the same.

"Is there anything I can do? Something you may need help with?" I asked sincerely. Sue shook her head.

"No, thank you," she said, walking from the kitchen and towards the back. "I'm just going to lay down."

I nodded sadly. Poor Sue. I sighed as I glanced around at the occupants. Billy was sitting not too far off, his eyes red with tears that had been shed. Sitting to Billy's right was a man in a police uniform. He looked a little familiar, but I couldn't place it. Sitting to Billy's left was an elderly man who eyed me in interest. Our eyes met briefly, but in that brief moment, the man's eyes were filled with a deep curiosity. The man then glanced at Billy, striking up a conversation with him, while glancing back in my general direction. Huh, that's weird.

Before I could analyze the situation, Sam burst through the door, looking haggard and slightly annoyed. "Jake, I need your help with something." Jake nodded before excusing himself.

I stood by myself awkwardly. Should I join the men in the kitchen, or maybe check on Sue? I glanced around, trying not to look as awkward as I felt, when my gaze locked again on the old man. He was once again staring at me, along with Billy.

"Come on over," Billy said, waving me over, "Let me introduce you."

I nodded, walking a few feet and sitting down across from the trio. The cop seemed to size me up and I shifted uncomfortably. Seriously, what was with everyone staring at me? Did I look that out of place in this town?

"Ashley, this is Old Quil, Quil's grandfather," Billy introduced the old man who had been staring at me. I smiled politely, extending my hand.

"It's nice to meet you, sir." Old Quil nodded and grabbed my hand before letting go.

"And this is Charlie, Bella's father." I tried to hide my surprise at this revelation before extending my hand.

"Nice to meet you, sir," I said, extending my hand as well. He took it gently before letting go.

"I reckon you know Jake?" Charlie asked gruffly, scrutinizing me closely.

"Uh, yes sir," I said, offering a small smile.

Billy chuckled. "Of course she knows him, you old coot." I glanced at Billy now. "She's his girlfriend."

I choked slightly. Was I really Jake's girlfriend? We did kiss, and I would definitely do that again, but we didn't put a title to it. Was an imprint even classified as a girlfriend, or was she just classified as an imprint?

Charlie glanced in surprise at Billy before turning to me with narrowed eyes. Oh boy. I tried not to fidget as the man intently stared at me.

"Uh, so you're a police officer," I stated trying to start up a conversation.

"Chief of police," was the automatic response. Wow, straight and to the point.

"Oh, leave'er alone, Charlie," Billy said. He probably noticed how uncomfortable I was. "It's not her fault she captured Jake's heart," Billy said, winking at me. I smiled in return, blushing slightly. Old Quil, however, continued to stare. I mentally sighed. I hate being stared at. Seriously, say something.

Charlie sighed forlornly. "I guess Jake's outta the question now for making Bella come to her senses, huh?" I felt myself bristle. Jake was mine.

I blinked at the thought. Where did that come from?

Billy eyed Charlie with an unreadable expression before shaking his head sadly, not saying anything. I glanced at Charlie from between my lashes and was surprised at the brief look of helplessness covering his features. Poor Charlie. Oh yeah, that's right. I forgot Bella was with a vampire. I shuddered at the thought and tried to block the sudden onslaught of red eyes invading my vision.

"Are you okay?" I opened my eyes (wait, when did they close?) and removed my hands that I were fisted in my short hair (again, I don't remember doing this) and was met with the worried expressions of the men I had joined in the kitchen.

I took a deep breath before looking around. Breathe Ash, there's no vampires around here. And if there were the pack would get them.

"I'm fine," I said standing up. "I'm just going to go to the bathroom." I quickly removed myself from their presence and walked down the hall Sue had walked down earlier. I assumed the bathroom had to be down this way.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I came upon the bathroom and immediately locked myself in it. Call me paranoid, but I checked the small bathroom thoroughly before relaxing slightly. I glanced in the mirror at myself and gasped in shock at the reflection that stared back at me.

My hair was standing out at the sides from when I fisted my hands in it and my eyes were tired and glossy with tears. Not to mention I had a scrape on the right side of my face from the red head. The stress of the day came crashing upon me and my head felt like it was spinning. My breath became ragged as my mind's eye was once again filled with red eyes and red hair. I bent down and put my head between my knees and closed my eyes in order to keep myself grounded. I guess the stress was much easier to handle with Jake here.

Deep breaths. In. Out. In. Out.

You're fine, Ash.

There's no vampire here.

Nope.

No red-eyed bitch waiting in the dark to drain you of your life force.

Now, pull yourself together so you can rejoin everyone.

In. Out. In. Out.

I stood up slowly after my internal pep-talk and ran the cold water before splashing my face gently.

"Ash?" I froze. "Honey, are you okay in there?"

Jake was back! I felt my heart swell with joy when I registered the pet name he called me. Maybe I was his girlfriend?

"I'm fine, Jake. I'll be out in two seconds," I replied, trying to make myself sound like normal.

Pause.

"Okay," Jake said, clearly not convinced by my acting.

I glanced in the mirror once more, fixing my hair. I need to get myself together. I can't have Jake worrying about me on top of what happened to Harry Clearwater.

In. Out. In. Out.

Once I was fine with what stared back at me in the mirror, I walked out and nearly collided face to chest with Jake. I was about to joke, but I caught site of his expression. He looked tired and stressed. I most definitely did not need to worry him.

"You okay?" I asked.

Jake shook his head slowly, running a hand through his short hair. I worriedly looked at him before wrapping my arms around his (still naked) torso. I felt him relax and sigh as he inhaled my scent. All too soon, we pulled away from each other.

"I'll talk to you about it later," Jake said, gently taking my face in his large hands. "So are you gonna tell me what's wrong with you?"

I gave him what I hoped looked like a sincere smile. "I'm fine, Jake. I just wasn't feeling well at the moment." Jake stared at me intently before frowning.

"You're lying."

I sighed, closing my eyes before slowly opening them. "I'll be fine. Right now, we should focus on being here for Sue." I held my breath as Jake eyed me, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"I was thinking of going back to the house. Sam let me off for the night so I could get some rest." I nodded in understanding. Jake looked like he really needed his rest. I guess that meant our time together was up for the day.

Jake and I walked towards the front of the house. We stopped in the front room, where the pack plus two – a young woman and a young man – were sprawled around the furniture and floor. Everyone glanced at me from my place beside Jake. The newest young man started trembling violently upon seeing me, his face full of worry. Without a word, the two sitting closest to him – Paul and Quil – hoisted him up before practically throwing him outside, Quil glancing at me apologetically on his way.

" 's wrong with them?" I heard Charlie ask from the kitchen.

"Seth's still having a hard time dealing with everything," Sam said, giving Charlie a reassuring smile. "Paul and Quil's offered to help him burn off some steam."

In the kitchen, I heard a broken sob and a clattering of silverware. I guess Sue came back out when I was in the bathroom. I heard a chair scrape against the floor before I heard Charlie's reassuring words comforting Sue.

The young woman that was sitting with the pack stood up suddenly and stomped out of the front door without so much as a backwards glance. Jake sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Embry?" Sam called.

"I'm on it," Embry said, standing up and going after the woman.

Jake sighed, looking at Sam. "Are you sure –"

"I'm sure," Sam said. "Get some rest. If anything happens, I'll call you."

Jake nodded before walking into the kitchen. I was about to follow but I was blocked as Sam stood in front of me. I looked at him in question. His gaze moved from the scrape on my face to my eyes.

"I promise you the leech will never again get to you, little sister. The pack protects its own." My eyebrows shot up before understanding filled them. I forgot for a moment that all the guys were pack and Sam was the Alpha.

"Thanks…big brother," I said awkwardly while smiling softly. Sam nodded and I walked passed him and into the kitchen. Old Quil was speaking to a kneeling Jake in a hushed tone while Billy and Charlie were comforting Sue. Jake glanced at me, eyebrows furrowed. Oh great, the old man was probably telling Jake I was a complete nutcase from my episode earlier.

I walked over to Sue, smiling softly at her. She returned the gesture. "I know you said you don't need any help, but if you change your mind I'll be here."

Sue nodded as she pulled me into a hug. I was startled at first but relaxed as I brought my arms around the woman. "Thank you, Ashley."

Sue released me as Jake stood up, Old Quil finishing whatever it was he had to say. We both said goodbye to Charlie and Billy, the latter deciding to stay to assist in tribal matters regarding Harry's funeral. We walked out, hand-in-hand, enveloped in a comfortable silence. Soon, the little red house was in view. I sighed. I really didn't want to leave Jake, especially because…I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I will not think about what happened today.

I stopped in front of my car. "Well, I guess I should get going."

"Are you serious?" Jake asked as he looked at me incredulously. "You're not going anywhere." To say I was relieved would be a vast understatement. "I won't take that chance."

Boy was I glad he wasn't taking chances. I definitely didn't want to be alone tonight.

We walked into the house and into the living room. "I can work on replacing your car window tomorrow. There's a few places I can call around to try and get a replacement window."

I smiled softly and nodded as Jake sat on the couch. I, instead, began walking around his living room, looking at the pictures. My favorites were of Jake when he was younger and had long hair. "Would you ever regrow your hair?"

I felt his gaze on me, but I didn't turn around. "Probably not as long as it was before. Why, do you want me to grow it out?"

"I think it would look good on you," I said, finally turning around. I was met with the most intense stare I had ever seen.

"I'll grow it out, then," Jake said simply, reaching his hand out towards me.

"Just like that?" I asked, walking over towards him.

"Yep," Jake said popping the p. "I kinda miss it. Maybe I'll grow it chin length."

"Sounds good," I said, taking his hand once I reached him. He pulled me gently to sit near him on the couch, wrapping his arm around me. I snuggled into his chest, sighing in contentment. "So, who was the guy that Quil and Paul threw out?"

Jake sighed. "That would be Seth Clearwater, son of Harry and Sue Clearwater." I glanced at Jake, whose face was tight with stress. "He and his sister phased earlier this afternoon."

"There're female shape-shifters?" I thought back to the legends and couldn't recall anything being said about a female wolf.

Jake shook his head. "According to the legends, there were never any. That's what gave poor Harry a heart attack."

I looked at Jake in shock. "Wow," I said sadly.

Jake nodded sadly. "Yeah, Leah is the first one, and she is not happy. Though, if I had to share a mind with the person who broke my heart, I'd probably be pissed, too."

I eyed Jake in shock. "Who's her ex?" "Sam."

I gasped dramatically, my eyes widening and my mouth falling open as I stared at Jake. No way! Sam and Leah? This was like a soap opera! Wait, they have to share minds? Wait, so how did Emily fit into all of this? Oh gosh, I wish my mind would just pick a topic so I could focus on it and ask Jake!

"Ok, so Sam and Leah were together?" I asked once my mind finally settled on a topic. Jake nodded. "What happened between them?"

Jake eyed me solemnly. "Emily came to visit one day after Sam had phased. As soon as Sam saw Emily, the rest was history." My eyes widened in shock. So Emily was an inadvertent home wrecker? This was like an episode of Jerry Springer!

"Wow, so Sam imprinted on Emily?" Jake nodded.

"Yeah, and she tried to fight it, Leah being her cousin and all."

"No fucking way!" I exclaimed in shock. Emily is Leah's cousin?! Holy shit!

Jake eyed me in amusement before continuing. "Yes fucking way. Anyway, Emily's from the Makah Reservation, so she went back home when she found out Sam broke up with her cousin for her." I looked at Jake in confusion, so he added. "The Makah Reservation is way north." I nodded. "So Sam follows Emily to plead his case and Emily, of course, refuses. They get into this heated argument, and Sam gets angry and phases. The problem was Emily was standing too close, and he ended up catching her face with his claws."

I stared at Jake in shocked awe. Sam did that to Emily's face?

"Sam was so distraught over the situation. He called Sue, who's a nurse, and she hurried up there. He was able to get her stabilized until Sue got there, and stayed by her side the entire time while apologizing. Emily was touched, she started hearing what Sam had to say and, well, now they're engaged."

Wow, talk about drama city. "So I'm assuming Leah's giving Sam a hard time?" I know I would if I was around my ex all the time. But that's a different story.

"That would be an understatement. That's one of the reasons Sam called me out there. He thought maybe the pack could help, but it just made her even more pissed. Especially Paul. I thought she was going to literally rip him a new one," Jake said, shaking his head at the thought.

I shook my head, feeling pity for the poor woman. Having to take orders from your ex who left you for your cousin must be extremely shitty.

"Wait, you said something about sharing minds earlier. You guys can read each other's minds?"

Jake sighed bitterly. "Yeah, but only in wolf form. That's why Sam approached you when we were about to leave. He saw what you told me, about your fear of the red head. Since you're my imprint, and you've accepted me, you're considered family."

"You heard that?" I asked. Jake was in a completely different room talking to the old man. It wasn't like Sam and I were talking loudly.

"Wolf hearing," Jake said, grinning wolfishly. "Both a blessing and a curse."

I nodded, making a mental note to watch what I said when Jake was around. I then smiled at Jake. "So the pack accepts me because I'm your imprint?"

Jake shook his head. "No, they accept you because you make me happy, happier than I've been in a long time."

I felt my heart swell at Jake's words. "Is that what I am for you?" I asked. Jake looked at me in confusion. "You told me that you become whatever Ineed you to be as a result of the imprint. I was just wondering as an imprint, what I am for you. Am I your happiness?"

Jake nodded, gazing at me in slight wonder, but mostly sincerity. "Yes, and so much more."

I blushed as I stared into Jake's dark eyes. "So, does that mean I'm your girlfriend?" I asked shyly.

Jake chuckled lightly, and I found a new appreciation for it as I snuggled up against his chest. "I thought that was a given. I don't go around kissing random girls, you know," Jake teased. I smiled in contentment as Jake held me tighter, satisfied with his answer. He then got up, lifting me in his arms with him, before he lay back down on the couch with me pressed into his side protectively. I decided that I very much enjoyed being held by him. We were silent for a while, and I thought Jake had dozed off.

"Are you going to tell me why you locked yourself in the bathroom tonight?" Jake asked, rubbing his hand up and down my back.

I flinched as his deep voice penetrated the silence. I glanced at Jake, who was eyeing me expectantly. I sighed. "I guess the stress of the day just caught up to is, is all."

Jake pulled me tighter against him. "You know I'll protect you, right? And not just me, the pack too."

I nodded in his chest. "I know, I just…I had a moment. Charlie was talking about Bella, and how he'd hoped you make her come to her senses."

Jake was silent for a moment. "Yeah, like that'll happen. If it hasn't happened in the past three years, I doubt I could get through to her now."

I tightened my arms around Jake's chest in comfort. I wonder what made her attracted to a vampire anyway. Do vampires imprint like shape-shifters? Wait, if Jake hadn't of imprinted on me, would he still be attracted to me?

I felt my breath hitch at the thought. I realized I couldn't bear the thought of me and Jake not being together. Regardless if it was magic or an act of God, I was glad Jake and I were meant for each other. With that last thought, I snuggled deeper into Jake's embrace and felt the tendrils of sleep pull at me.

I groaned as I was awoken by my alarm. I rolled over and slapped it in aggravation. It's the weekend, why would I have my alarm on? I sighed and buried myself deeper into my covers. My eyes popped open. Covers? I shot up and glanced around and found I was in my apartment. Did Jake bring me here?

"Jake?" I called out to the silence of my room.

Nothing.

Hmm, maybe he just dropped me off and left?

I shrugged, getting out of my bed and walking to the kitchen. I was starving. I peeked into my refrigerator and sighed as I was met with nothing. I really needed to do some grocery shopping for my home. I had been neglecting it since I had started cooking for Jake and Billy.

I sighed dejectedly, walking back to my room to find something to throw on to run to the store. I glanced out of my bedroom window and saw it was still dark out. Huh, if it was dark, why was my alarm going off?

"Ash…ley…" I snapped around, hearing my voice whispered in the space around me. Who the hell was that? I swallowed thickly, feeling my hair on my arms stand on end. I reached for my cell phone, I needed to call Jake.

One ring.

Two rings.

Three rings.

"Jake can't help you now!"

The phone was snatched from my hand and I was thrown against the wall. I stared in horror as I was met with the blood red eyes of the red-headed woman. I did the only thing I could think of.

I screamed.

The red headed woman's arms were on my shoulders, not choking me, but still unwanted. "Wake up, Ashley!" I stared at the red-head in horrified confusion and she continued to glare menacingly at me.

I knew that voice.

"Ash, honey, wake up! You're having a nightmare."

Was that…Jake?

I opened my eyes and shot up, breathing heavily and glancing around warily. I was still at Jake and Billy's house. I was in a different room (Jakes?) and in a bed I didn't readily recognize. I felt a hot hand caress my face, gently coaxing it to the right side. Slowly, Jake's worried face came into view. I sighed in relief before falling into chest and crying silently. Jake held me tightly, massaging the back of my head.

I took in deep breaths of air, calming and willing myself to stop crying. I closed my eyes but was met once again with red eyes in my mind's eye, so I quickly opened them again. Was I ever going to be able to close my eyes again?

Jake pulled away from me, looking into my eyes. "What happened?"

I took a deep breath. "She was in my apartment Jake." Jake stiffened, but didn't say anything. He obviously knew who I was talking about. "And she got me…" I trailed off, looking blankly past Jake and shuddering. Fuck, I needed to find some way to get past this. How was I ever going to function when I was by myself?

"You're safe, Ash. I won't let anything happen to you. Ever." I glanced at Jake and saw a fierce determination in his eyes. I knew he would protect me with everything that was in him.

That both excited and frightened me.

I said nothing, just fell back into his warm embrace, enjoying his arms wrapped around me. Jake scooted me over, before sliding into (his?) bed next to me.

"Is this your room, Jake?" I asked. I refused to go back to sleep and therefore needed something to occupy my attention.

"Yep. It's not as glamourous as yours, but it's not bad," Jake teased. I rolled my eyes.

"My room's far from glamourous. Besides," I started looking around the small room, smiling, "I like it. It looks lived in."

Jake chuckled. "Lived in?" Jake asked humorously. "Of course it's lived in, Ash. I still live here."

I laughed lightly while smacking him lightly on his chest, which now had a shirt covering it. When had he put on a shirt? Or maybe the more appropriate question was: Why did he put on a shirt?

Oh God, I was turning into a pervert.

I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. "That's not what I meant," I said, looking up at Jake who stared back at me. "I mean, you look around your room and you have pictures all-around of your family and friends, along with other trinkets. My room, or rather, my apartment is plain. I haven't had time to make it feel homey, you know?"

Jake just hummed in response, closing his eyes. I sighed, snuggling into Jake's chest. He clearly was tired and wouldn't be much of a conversationalist. I glanced around the room, trying my best to not go back to sleep.

My eyes landed on a picture of a young Jake and Bella across the room and I couldn't help but smile. They both looked so happy. I wonder if they'll ever be close again. I wonder if I would be okay with them being close. My thoughts were interrupted when Jake began to snore softly. I smiled, as I took in his relaxed form. I would be okay with Jake and Bella becoming close again as long as Bella didn't hurt him again.

I would be Jake's protector as well. I may not be able to do much physically, but I would be there to protect his emotions and his heart. As long as I was around, no one would hurt my Jake.

Author's Note #2: Hope you enjoyed! Have a fantastic weekend!