Author's Note: Hey guys! So this chapter is dialog heavy and sets up things to come in the upcoming chapters. It's in Jake's POV and longer than usual since we don't get to hear from our favorite wolf as often.

Also, there's a poll on my page regarding the story. Do you think the other wolves should imprint? Let me know! I have things planned either way. I would just like to know what you guys think!

Anyway, enjoy the story!

Chapter 7

Jacob's POV

I was awoken by the smell of bacon filtering into my room and I couldn't stop myself from smiling. Ash was in the kitchen cooking. I sighed contentedly. I could get used to this. I got up, going to the bathroom to take care of business and brush my teeth. Good, she saw the extra toothbrush I sat out for her.

Once my business was taken care of, I walked towards the kitchen. I took a deep breath, appreciating the scent of food mixed with my imprint. God, she smelled amazing. I walked into the kitchen, appreciating the sight of my girlfriend bustling about. I leaned against the doorframe with my arms crossed over my chest, admiring her from the back. Her thick brown hair was rustled slightly, but still just a beautiful. My eyes ran down her form, landing on her firm ass. I felt my mouth water slightly, watching her.

After watching her for a while, Ash stiffened slightly before turning around. I guess she finally sensed me. My eyes snapped up to her face and she smiled beautifully, making my heart swell with emotion.

"Breakfast will be ready soon. Hope you're good and hungry!" Ashley grabbed a mug, taking a huge gulp and placing it back down.

I eyed my imprint closely. She seemed…tired. Did she not sleep well?

"You look tired," I said, deciding to voice my thoughts. I frowned as she tensed. "Did you sleep at all?"

She sighed, turning her back to me to take the remaining bacon from the pan. "I dozed for a bit, but I kept seeing her." I growled low in my chest. That red-headed leech had to go, now. "Eventually, I just got up and started making breakfast."

I eyed the buffet occupying the small kitchen. There were pancakes, waffles, crêpes, sausage, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and cut up fruit. "Just how long have you been up?"

Ashley shrugged, placing the plate with the bacon on the table. "Since five-ish."

I glanced at the clock on the wall before turning my gaze back to my imprint. "You've been up for four hours?" She nodded, timidly.

"I didn't want to disturb you with my fidgeting, so I just got up and started making breakfast. I wasn't sure what you liked, so I just made some of everything. I hope that's okay."

I pushed myself off of the wall and walked over to her, stooping to kiss her on the forehead. "Everything looks great, beautiful." I smiled as she blushed at the pet name.

We sat down together as I began to dig in. I moaned appreciatively and my eyes almost rolled in the back of my head at the flavors assaulting my taste buds.

"That good, huh?" she asked me, cutting into her pancakes.

"You have no idea," I said between bites making her giggle in response.

"You're too much sometimes, you know that?"

"Hey, you knew what you were getting into when you agreed to be my girl," I replied, winking at her.

"That I did," my angel replied, eyes twinkling in amusement. I felt my heart flutter. Damn this imprint thing was strong. Ash could be a serial killer and I'd think she was the most fantastic creature on the planet.

Good thing she wasn't though. That'd be a little awkward.

"Jake, why did Seth have to be carried out when he saw me last night?"

I sighed, finishing the food that was in my mouth. "We had to fill Seth and Leah in last night on everything. When the red-head was brought up, I couldn't stop my thoughts. Seth was instantly upset when he saw what happened, and when he found out that you're my imprint, it made him even more protective. I guess when he saw you, all of those feelings came to the surface, and he couldn't control himself." Seth looked up to me, and when he saw what happened to Ash, it set him off. Hopefully, he'd be able to control himself from now on.

Ashley looked at me in worry. "Will it keep happening? I'd hate to set him off every time."

"Nah, they were most likely working with Seth all last night. He should be fine now."

"Good," she said smiling. "So, are you going to take me back home today?"

I shook my head. "I'd prefer if you stay here, at least for the weekend. I'll figure out how to work out the week."

She sighed in relief and I knew there was no way I'd be leaving her alone anytime soon. "I have to get some stuff from home if I'm gonna be camping out here. Unless, you wanna take me to the mall." Ashley looked at me hopefully, giving me her puppy dog eyes. I could already tell that look would be the death of me.

"I would take you shopping, but I have patrol later on today," I said in reply. I've never been so happy for patrol in my life. She looks like she'd be a mile a minute at the mall.

My imprint sighed and pouted slightly. "Ok, but you have to take me soon Jake."

I shrugged noncommittally. Maybe I could get Leah to…

Yeah, no. That's not gonna work. At least, not with Leah as bitter as she is.

"Sure sure, soon."

We continued to eat together, making small talk. These were the times I enjoyed the most. Ashley was so easy to talk to and she didn't pass judgment. She was exactly what I needed. However, I couldn't get what Old Quil told me last night out of my head.

From the moment I started hanging out with Ashley, I knew she was special. After all, you'd have to be pretty special to bring me to my knees and make me forget about Bella. However, Old Quil picked up on something…different about Ashley.

He told me my dad informed him that part of Ashley's heritage was Blackfoot. According to Old Quil, the Blackfoot tribe were "accessories" in the supernatural world. While they were not shifters, they did have their own way of aiding those they were aligned with, most often the Cold Ones. How they did was the question. And perhaps with this question answered, we can use whatever power she may have to help us, as long as she remains safe, of course.

I refuse to do anything that may cause my angel any harm.

Come to think of it, the leech told me he couldn't read her thoughts. This clearly has something to do with her powers, but what exactly were her powers?

Perhaps it was time to do some research at the library. I'll have to see if I could get my dad to pull some strings and let Ashley come with me.

Then there was the matter of telling Ash all of this. She was going to flip.

Maybe I should take her out to dinner first? Actually, we still need to have our first official date. I wonder where she'd like to go…

"Baby, are you okay?" I blinked in confusion as Ashley's worried expression came into view a few feet from my face.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, finishing the last of my breakfast. The only thing left on the table was the cut up fruit.

She looked at me worriedly as she started clearing the dishes. I stood as well, putting the fruit in the refrigerator and wiping down the table

"Favorite color?" My gaze snapped to my imprint whose back was facing me. I walked over, taking the plate she had just finished washing and drying it with a cloth.

"Green. Yours?"

"Blue."

"Hmm, favorite movie."

"It changes periodically, but I'd have to say…Beauty and the Beast."

I grinned. "Well, that's not ironic at all."

She rolled her eyes. "You're not a beast, Jake."

"Yeah, but I can turn into one," I said. I still don't like that I can turn into a wolf at a whim, but I've learned to live with it.

"Not the same thing. I'm not talking to a beast right now, am I?" Ashley stated rather than asked. Well, I guess when she put it that way…

"I won't argue with you."

"That's because you know I'm right. Now, what's yours?"

I grinned. "Scarface." Tony Montana was the man!

Ashley laughed, bumping her hip into me. "Of course you'd like something like that. Favorite food."

I took the last plate from Ash and dried it. Boy was I glad that she washed dishes as she cooked, or else we'd be here all day. "That's a hard one. I love steak, but so far everything you've made is delicious. You?"

Ashley grinned, walking into the living room. "Pizza, the greasier the better."

"And this is why we're made for each other," I laughed along with Ashley. "I'm gonna grab a quick shower, and then we'll head out." Ashley nodded, turning on the TV.

I walked back to my room, finding a pair decent pants and a shirt before walking into the bathroom, stripping, and jumping into the shower. The old pipes groaned as I turned on the water and I sighed as the water hit my muscles. I heard the phone ring and I groaned.

"Ash, can you get that?" I heard her move from the couch.

"Black residence," I heard her say. I closed my eyes as I imagined her answering the phone that way permanently.

"Hello, is Jacob Black home?" I growled deep in my chest. Why was Edward fucking Cullen calling? If he needed something, shouldn't he be calling Sam?

"He is, but he's currently occupied at the moment. Can I take a message?" I scrubbed myself quickly. I really didn't want him talking to my imprint.

"May I ask with whom I am speaking?" You know exactly who you're speaking with, asshole.

"My name's Ashley, I'm Jake's girlfriend." I couldn't stop the smile that made its way to my face as I rinsed off and turned off the water. The water began drying on my skin as soon as I stepped out, but I grabbed a towel anyway.

"Well Ashley, it's nice to finally have a chance to talk to you." I growled, pulling on my pants and storming out of the bathroom.

"Um, who am I speaking wit –"

I grabbed the phone from Ash's hands, making her blink in confusion before looking up and me towering over her. "What do you want, leech?"

"You're as pleasant as ever." I growled threateningly, baring my teeth. I looked down when I felt a cool, soft hand grip my own, and was met with comforting brown eyes. I took a deep breath.

"I don't want you talking to my imprint. At all."

"Well, I cannot help it if you did not come to the phone, Jacob," the leech answered condescendingly. I wish I could reach through the phone and strangle him.

"What. Do. You. Want." I said through gritted teeth. I removed my hand from Ashley's, afraid that I might hurt her. I would never forgive myself if I did.

The leech sighed. "Bella's depressed."

I flinched as I imagined her as lifeless as before. "What's wrong with her?"

"You're what's wrong. She's upset that you won't talk to her anymore, and while I would normally be able to cheer her up, I'm afraid this time it's not working."

I glared at the wall in front of me. She was depressed because of me, but it wasn't entirely my fault. I told her things wouldn't be the same if she left. I couldn't keep putting my heart on the line for someone who refused to return my feelings. I glanced down at Ashley and saw her eyeing me in worry. Now, however, I didn't have that problem. I had my imprint so I didn't want or need Bella to return my feelings. It wouldn't be so hard to let Bella back in, right?

"She wants to see you, Jake, if only to make things right between the two of you."

I sighed, leaning my head against the wall in front of me. "Fine. Tell her to call me and we'll work something out."

The leech breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank y –"

I hung up the phone. God, his voice was grating on my nerves. I shook my head, taking a deep breath. I guess it was time to make things right between the two of us. Now that I've got Ash, I can understand where she was coming from when she went to her leech. I still didn't agree with her decision, though. Did that make me a hypocrite?

I mentally shrugged. Who gives a shit if it did or not. It's the principle.

I felt arms wrap around my torso, instantly bringing comfort to me. I wrapped my arms around her in return, kissing the top of her head.

"Are you ok, Jake?"

I sighed. "I'll be fine." I pulled away then, smiling at her. "Go put your shoes on. We'll leave once you're ready."

I smiled as my imprint scurried off to find her shoes. I walked back to the bathroom to grab my shirt and pull it on. When I came back out, Ashley had her shoes on and was fluffing her hair. She turned to look at me.

"I'm ready! Are we taking the bike again?" She asked looking at me hopefully. I smirked at her enthusiasm.

"Nah, it'll be easier to with your bags to take the Rabbit."

Ash smiled in amusement at me. "Bags? Jeez, Jake. You act like I'm moving in or something."

I grinned, walking out the door with Ashley following me. "I just figured, you being high maintenance and all." I laughed as my imprint huffed in indignation.

"I am not high maintenance! I just enjoy looking good!" She said, glaring playfully at me as we both reached the rabbit. I laughed, opening her door for her before I walked around and hopped in. I started the Rabbit and we were off.

"You could wear a potato sack, and you'd still look beautiful," I commented purposefully to make her blush. I smirked in satisfaction as she did not disappoint.

"Jake, you're too much," she said, smiling shyly. "Though I could say the same about you."

My eyebrows shot up as I looked at Ashley in surprise. I think this was the first time she'd complimented me. She eyed me shyly and I couldn't help but smile in return. I turned back to the road, my heart doing a little dance in my chest.

Ashley scooted closer to me and I lifted my arm so I could wrap it around her. We drove in contented silence.

We reached her apartment complex as it began to rain. We were making our way to the door when Ash froze mid-way. I looked at her in confusion and frowned as I could hear her breathing increase. She was staring at her door, looking like a deer caught in the headlights.

My eyes widened slightly as realization hit me. Her dream from last night! She mentioned the leech was in her apartment. I growled in irritation. This fucking leech was tormenting my imprint and she wasn't even here!

"Want me to open the door?" I offered. Her beautiful brown eyes snapped to mine, full of fear. I felt my temper flare along with the overwhelming urge to keep her safe. Ash nodded, giving me the keys. I took a deep breath to calm myself before opening the door. I grabbed her hand, walking in and closing the door. I left her in the living room as I walked through every room, surveying it. I took a deep breath for good measure just to make sure nothing was here that shouldn't be.

"Everything's fine," I said, walking over to her and glancing down at her. She eyed me before nodding.

"Ok, do you mind if I take a quick shower before I pack my things? I feel gross."

"Nah, take your time," she nodded before walking off towards her room. "Lemme know if you need some company," I called out, grinning wolfishly.

I heard her pause in her trek and her heartbeat increase before she called out indignantly, "Jake!"

I laughed as I heard her stomp off to her room. I was only half-kidding. I mean, if she wanted company, who was I to deny her?

Is it bad I was actually looking forward to that?

Nah. She's probably looking forward to that, too.

I couldn't stop the grin on my face as I heard the shower turn on and turned on the TV. That grin soon turned into a frown as, of course, there was nothing on worth watching. I settled on the news, my frown going deeper as a report came on about more missing people. I couldn't help but glare at the screen; something just didn't seem right about this. People do go missing, but not this many at one time.

My thoughts were interrupted as my phone started vibrating in my pocket. I pulled it out and sighed, mentally preparing myself for this conversation.

"Bella," I stated. I heard her sniffle in response. Oh, God. Please don't be crying.

"Hi Jake," came the sad, watery reply. I mentally sighed. She was crying. I hated when she cried.

I sighed, closing my eyes briefly before reopening them. "So… what's going on?" Great, this was going to be an awkward conversation.

"Nothing."

Silence.

More silence.

I began drumming my right thumb against my leg. Geez, can things get any more awkward?

Finally, she sighed. "Jake, I'm sorry," I winced as I could hear her sob. "I'm sorry I hurt you, I'm sorry I left you, I'm sorry I didn't come see about you. I–I'm just so, so sorry."

I groaned, rubbing hand across my eyes. "Bella," I paused, closing my eyes and pushing my pride temporarily to the side. "I'm sorry, too."

"Really?" She sniffed. "You're not still mad at me?"

I sighed, searching my heart to make sure what I was about to say was indeed the truth. "No. Honestly, I stopped being mad a while ago."

"And you weren't going to tell me?"

"Not exactly like I've had time to, Bells," I said rolling my eyes.

"Oh, right. Your imprint," she said, not exactly sadly but not normally either.

"Yes and no. I honestly only see her for a few hours every weekend. We've been hunting the red-head nonstop."

Bella was quiet for a moment. "Edward told me your imprint was attacked."

I felt myself trembling at the assault of memories and the feeling of sheer terror I felt when I saw that bottom-feeder looming over my imprint. I took deep breaths calming myself, the sound of the shower running in the background comforting me. She was here. She was safe. I would continue to make sure of that.

"Jake?" came Bella's worried voice on the other end of the line.

"I'm still here," I said, though it came out forced.

"…sorry to bring it up…"

I sighed. "Yeah, well, she just made it even more personal." I couldn't help the growl that rumbled in my chest.

"I'm sorry, Jake. If she wasn't after me, then this would've never happened."

"Its fine, Bella," I said, exhaling sharply. "I'll just be sure to kill the leech slowly for messing with the both of you."

"You sound confident."

"Of course I am. The pack and I, we're made for this." Seriously, fuck leeches.

"You just make sure you be careful, Jake."

"Aren't I always?" I said.

Bella laughed. I was happy she wasn't crying anymore. "Whatever, Jake. Just don't get hurt. You're imprint is a bit scary when she's angry."

I shook my head in amusement, remembering the night Ash went off on Bella. "She's really protective of me."

"As she should be, Jake. I'm really happy that you're happy. You deserve it," she said sincerely. I smiled.

"Thanks Bells…and I'm, uh, happy that you're happy…I guess." I did want her to be happy, just not with the leech. Mortal enemies and all.

"That means a lot coming from you."

"I still hate your leech, though."

Bella laughed before sighing. "You just wouldn't be you if you didn't, Jake. So, think we'll get to hang out soon?"

I shrugged, even though she couldn't see it. "Maybe, but just so you know, Ash'll probably be with me." I hoped that wouldn't be a problem, and if it was then Bella would just have to deal with it.

"Yeah, that's fine. We kinda got off on the wrong foot anyway. Think she'll be up to seeing me again? I was going to come down there for Harry's funeral tomorrow with Charlie."

I thought for a moment. "Sure sure. She'll be fine. I'm telling you, you'll love her once you get to know her."

"I hope so since she's so important to you."

"I promise you, Bells, she won't rip you a new asshole. Unless you piss her off."

"I'll be sure not to do that then." I snorted in amusement. "Well, I have to get going. Alice and I are going shopping. Oh joy." I grinned at the dry response. "I'll see you, soon?"

"Yeah. It was good talking to you, Bells."

"You too, Jake. And thanks for talking to me. Bye"

"See ya." She hung up and I closed my eyes in thought. At least Bella and I were on speaking terms again. I hadn't even realized how much I had missed her until we began talking. Now, hopefully Ash and Bella could get along now that Bella and I were ok.

Speaking of Ashley, her scent assaulted my senses as I heard the bathroom door open and she walked out to, what I assumed was, her room. God, she smelled amazing. The perfect mix of lavender and vanilla. I heard her walk towards me and I opened my eyes. She had on a pair of fitted jeans with a black mid-drift and a zip-up hoody. I cocked my eyebrow as I noticed her stomach.

"You have a belly ring?" She glanced at me, smiling timidly.

"I got drunk one night in college and woke up with it. My mom still doesn't know."

I smirked. "Scared of what your mother would think? And here I thought you were a rebel."

I grinned as she rolled her eyes. "My mom always said the only things a woman should get pierced are her ears. Anything else, and she's deemed 'fast'" Ashley said making quotations with her fingers. "She's really old school. I hate to think what she'd say if she knew I had a belly button ring."

"So, you partied a lot in school?" I asked in surprise. She didn't seem the type.

"No, I was the geek who practically lived in the library. My best friend decided to pledge a sorority. She got in along with a bunch of others, so the sorority had a huge party. Needless to say, that was the first and last time I touched alcohol. I thought my head would never stop pounding," she said grimacing. "Plus there was the problem of me waking up with a piercing that I had no recollection of getting. From the stories they told me, I took the pain like a boss."

So my girl was a geek, huh? Yeah, I could see that.

Albeit, a very beautiful and sexy geek.

I smirked. "Anything else you have pierced that you'd like to share?" My imprint glanced at me through the side of her eyes.

"Mind out of the gutter, Jake. Only things pierced are my ears and belly button."

"Just thought I'd ask," I said, smiling mischievously. Hey, you never know. After all, she's the last person I thought would get stomach piercing. She seemed so…proper. Ashley rolled her eyes before going back in her room.

"Make sure you bring something for Harry's funeral. It's tomorrow," I said, getting up and walking down the hall to where she was. I leaned against the doorframe as I watched her walk about, grabbing different items she needed.

"So soon?" she asked, throwing some hair products in her bag. I nodded.

"Yeah, it's tribe tradition to have the service within three days from which the person died."

"Should I wear anything in particular? A specific color or something?" She asked, glancing at me.

I shook my head. "So, how long you planning on staying?"

Ashley furrowed her eyebrows. "I guess until tomorrow. I have to go to work on Monday."

I glanced to the side. That should be fine, right? I mean, the leech isn't directly after my imprint, but she was attacked. What if the leech tried it again and I wasn't there to protect her? Not only that, but I falling asleep with her in my arms. I felt more at peace than I had in weeks, even with a rogue vampire on the loose.

"I think it would be better if you packed clothes for the week." I saw through the corners of my eyes that Ash stopped fiddling through her dressers and looked at me.

"The week? Is that really necessary?" She asked, cocking an eyebrow at me.

I nodded. "It makes it easier to keep an eye on you. You're now a priority for the pack." We would all work to keep Ashley safe.

"Yeah, but she's not after me. I just so happened to be in her path, right?"

I sighed. "I can't take any chances, Ash, especially with all of these people ending up missing. If something were to happen to you…" I trailed off, not able to finish that thought. She frowned, putting her make-up in a bag.

"Do you think the missing people have to do with the army?" My eyes snapped to hers in question.

"What army?"

Ashley gave me a look. "When I was attacked, she said something about me being an addition to her army."

I tensed and glared at a spot over Ashley's head. Army? Could that be why so many people were going missing on a daily basis? Shit, I needed to tell Sam.

"In that case, you should pack to stay until we catch and eliminate her," I said, staring into my imprint's eyes to emphasize just how serious this was.

Ashley frowned slightly and eyed me in surprised confusion. When she saw how completely serious I was, she nodded, walking over to her closet and grabbing a bigger suitcase along with some garment bags. She began placing her suits in the garment bags, and regular clothes in the suitcase. I cocked an eyebrow as she made her way to another closet and began taking clothes from there. Just how much clothes did she have?

"Uh, need help with anything?" I said, suddenly feeling useless as my imprint skittered about. She shook her head.

"Only thing left to grab are shoes and my laptop," she said, walking passed me and smiling. I followed her to the next room. She went into yet another closet, grabbing another huge suitcase and began putting shoes in it.

I swear I've never seen so many shoes in a person's closet in my life. She has enough to create her own department store!

"You weren't joking when you said you enjoy shopping," I said in awe. She turned to me and grinned.

"I told you, shopping is therapeutic. Speaking of which, I'm overdue for a new pair of shoes," she mumbled out loud. I couldn't stop my mouth from dropping in awe and staring wide-eyed at the pint-sized woman.

"You have an entire closet full of shoes. How could you possibly need anymore?" I asked incredulously. She stopped what she was doing before looking at me in complete seriousness.

"Jake, you can never have too many shoes." She stated this like it was the answer to all of life's problems. I shook my head in awe. Just how the hell was I going to make room for all of this?

Once she finished packing her shoes, she walked over to a desk and grabbed her laptop and its wires, putting it into a bag. I cocked an eyebrow in confusion. Vera Bradley? Is that the person who gave her the bag? She also grabbed a bunch of books from a bookshelf not too far away and put the books in a bag that matched her laptop bag. I guess I'd have to use Becca and Rach's room for storage. Not like they were coming back anytime soon.

I eyed my imprint and she pulled out another bag, this this one smaller, and began putting purses in it. How many purses did a person need anyway?

"Ok, I think I'm ready," she replied. I walked over to her, grabbing the three bags from her home office.

"I'm going to run these out to the car," I said, already making my way outside. Sheesh, it was really starting to come down now. I placed her bags in the back before running back in the apartment. "You should probably grab an umbrella."

She nodded, going to do so. I grabbed her garment bags in one hand and her suitcase in another, leaving her with her laptop bag and bag with the books. She glanced around once more before nodding to me. We walked out, stopping as Ash locked up her apartment and put up her umbrella, and continued on to my car. We put everything in the back before getting in the car, me once again opening the door for my imprint.

The drive back to La Push was uneventful. We talked about any and everything. I told her about my conversation with Bells, and she was pleased that we were at least on speaking terms again. She laughed lightly when I told her Bella was slightly intimidated by her.

"As long as she doesn't hurt you, Jake, she won't have anything to worry about." I couldn't even begin to describe the pleasant feeling that washed over me at her declaration.

We finally arrived back to my home and unloaded the car in one trip. The rain began pouring fiercely as soon as we made it in the house.

"Oh no, my baby!" Ash said, running back out the door to her car. Oh yeah, her busted window. I'll be sure to take care of that.

"We have to head out to Sam's. I need to tell him what you told me," I said, once she came back in the house.

We drove to Sam's, even though it was only a ten minute walk from my house. I didn't need my imprint getting sick. We walked in and was immediately greeted by Emily, who looked like she'd been crying.

"You ok, Emily?" I asked, immediately on alert. She waved off my concern.

"I'm fine, it's just…my uncle…" she trailed off, her eyes filling with tears. I eyed her sadly. Poor Emily. She probably didn't come to the house last night since Leah's still pretty pissed off. That was probably for the best.

Sam came in from the outside just then, Ash averting her eyes and looking uncomfortable at his shirtless form. Had this been under different circumstances, I would've found it amusing. Sam walked over, kissing Emily before enveloping her in a hug.

"You still have another two hours before you need to check in," Sam said, eyeing me closely.

"I needed to speak with you," I said, giving Ashley a look. She promptly went into the kitchen along with Emily. When I started hearing the sound of pots and pans, I began.

"Sam, the red-headed leech is making an army," I started. Sam visibly bristled, eying me hard.

"How can you be so sure?" He asked, all business.

I sighed, glancing towards the kitchen. "Ash, when she was – " I broke off not able to finish that sentence and trembling. I took deep breath and closed my eyes to calm myself. Sam waited patiently until I had myself composed, "– the leech mentioned the army to her."

Sam cursed silently before glancing away in thought. He sighed, glancing towards the phone. "I have to make a phone call."

I nodded before walking into the kitchen, grabbing a muffin. Ashley and Emily were happily chatting as they navigated the kitchen. I smiled as I watched them, more specifically, my imprint.

"Hey Jake!" I turned toward the door, seeing Seth walk up the stairs. I immediately went to stand in front of the door, blocking him from entering. He looked at me in confusion.

"My imprint's in there," I said by way of explanation. "Can you control yourself?"

Seth nodded hesitantly. I eyed him in warning before backing away from the door and allowing him to come in. Seth's eyes immediately averted to the side, not able to meet mine. I didn't mean to intimidate the kid, but I couldn't have him hurt Ash.

He walked hesitantly into the kitchen, me close on his heels. Emily glanced at Seth before smiling at him and motioning towards the muffins on the table. Seth smiled back, grabbing a muffin. Ashley then turned from the counter where she was stirring, what smelled to be, some kind of cake batter, and smiled warmly at Seth.

I stepped forward as Seth began to tremble slightly, trying to control himself. Ashley glanced nervously at him before speaking. "You must be Seth. I'm Ashley," she said, trying to sound normal. I was able to detect the nervousness in her voice though. I growled low in my chest, making Seth's eyes snap towards me. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself.

"Nice to meet you," Seth said smiling, though it was forced. Ashley smiled warmly in return.

"So, Jake told me you worship the ground he walks on?" My gaze snapped to Ashley. She had a smug grin on her face as she eyed me in amusement.

Seth's mouth dropped open before glancing at me, his face turning red. "I do not!" Emily laughed at this and I smirked.

"Of course you do, who wouldn't?" I said, buffing my nails on my shirt. I inwardly smiled as she broke the tension. God, she was amazing. Ashley started laughing as Seth looked at me in shocked horror.

"Geez, Seth. I guess I have you to thank for Jake's unbearably large ego?" Ashley said, winking at me. I smirked, thinking of all the jokes I could make right now. I'd wait till later when we were alone. I didn't want to mortify Emily, especially with Sam so close by. I'd be on patrol for days without break.

Seth pouted good naturedly. "Jake's to blame for his ego. Have you been to his room? I heard he has a vanity mirror." I glared at Seth who was now smirking at me. Meanwhile Ash and Emily were laughing their asses off.

"I do not have a vanity mirror," I said defensively.

"I don't know Jake, that mirror did kinda look like one," Ashley said in amusement. I glared at her, making her laugh even harder. I fought against the smile trying to make its way to my face, but I was unsuccessful.

Seth laughed, glancing at me in amusement. "Hey man, it's fine. I heard Paul has one, too. Though I heard his covers the entire wall of his room."

Emily looked thoughtful for a moment, her eyes still twinkling in amusement. "I can totally see that."

I cocked my head in thought. I could actually see that as well, considering how conceited Paul is.

Before anyone could say anything else, Sam walked in the room, looking exhausted. Emily beckoned him to a chair and he plopped down. Damn, this entire ordeal must really be taking a toll on him. He glanced at me before speaking. "I informed the Cullen's and they want to meet again. The doctor said one of their coven members has experience with this."

The mood in the kitchen instantly reverted from playful to serious. Ash and Emily glanced at each other before continuing on with cooking.

"When do we meet?" I asked.

"Tomorrow, after the funeral." Seth looked down sadly. I rested a hand on his shoulder in comfort. Seth glanced at me, before glancing back down. Poor kid, he's been through so much at such a young age. But then again, we all had.

Author's Note #2: Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. Are longer chapters okay? Or would y'all rather shorter ones? Lemme know either way!

Anyway, next chapter Ashley has an encounter with both Bella and Leah. Should be interesting huh?

Also, next chapter things will begin to pick up. I have so much planned for this story and I'm so glad I'm getting positive feedback! Y'all rock my socks!