Author's Note: This chapter is more of a continuation from the last and is still in Jake's POV. It's also a little shorter than normal, but should answer some pressing questions. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

I watched as my imprint gave me a nervous look before glancing down at the ground in front of her. "Honey, what is it?"

She sighed. "Jake, I…it's about the tribe I'm descended from," she started, looking at me guiltily. I cocked an eyebrow and motioned for her to continue. She didn't disappoint.

"I…Victoria said I was descended from a tribe that…helped vampires," she said, shrinking in on herself and looking at me nervously. My eyebrows shot up before furrowing in confusion. How did Icky Vicky know that? If she knew, does that mean she had something to do with their demise? Maybe she knew whatever secret they were hiding? I glanced at Ash, who seemed to be watching me in nervous anticipation. I met her gaze head on.

"Would you be upset if I told you I knew already?"

Ashley froze, and had the situation not seemed so serious, I would've laughed at her deer-in-the-headlights expression. "You know? How? – why? – wha? – when were you gonna tell me?!"

It was my turn to look guilty, and I reached out for her. She eyed me for a second before coming into my arms and sitting on my lap.

"Remember that night at Sue's when I was talking to Old Quil?" I asked her. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open in shock.

"How does he know? I didn't even know!"

I wrapped an arm around my imprint as I began to explain. "Old Quil has a knack for knowing things. He's very wise and has seen a lot over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if he's actually met someone from the Blackfoot tribe!"

Ashley frowned, looking intently at the ground. I wrapped her tightly in my arms and was grateful when she didn't put up a fight. She laid her head against my shoulder and subconsciously snuggled up to me. "Are you mad at me?"

Ashley's eyebrows furrowed in thought as she contemplated my question. Finally, she lifted her head and looked me straight in the eye. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm sorry," I said as sincerely as possible. "You were going through a lot at that point; what with you being attacked and afraid to sleep. I just didn't want to put you under any more stress."

Ashley was quiet for a while before sighing. "I'm not mad. I just…it's weird that people know things about myself before I do, y'know?"

I nodded. I did know. I remember what it was like before I became a wolf. The way Billy eyed me knowingly and sadly. The way Sam, Paul, and Jared were always watching me. They all knew I would be phasing, yet couldn't say anything. When it finally happened, I remember being upset and angry at Billy. I wish he would've told me so I could've at least been prepared for it. But at the same time, I understood why he didn't tell me.

"Yeah, I do know," I said, tightening my hold on her. She glanced at me in question, but I decided not to elaborate; that would be a conversation for another day. Particularly when I'm not feeling as emotionally drained. Instead I said, "I think we need to actively research the Blackfoot tribe. We need to know how it affects you."

"This won't change anything between us, will it?" Ashley asked, looking at me worriedly.

"Absolutely not. I don't care what we may or may not find out. You're stuck with me," I said, grinning widely. Ashley laughed.

"At least you're comfortable," she said, snuggling into me. We trailed off into a comfortable silence. I was feeling better after talking with my imprint. I still couldn't help the guilt I felt whenever I thought about what happened, but we would get past it. I watched the waves crashing onto the shore as I listened to my imprint's breathing even out, her lack of rest catching up with her. Holding her closely and securely, I stood with her in my arms and made my way back to the rabbit. After placing her gently in the passenger's seat and closing the door gently, I went to the driver's side and hopped in.

I glanced at my imprint once again. I still couldn't believe I had imprinted, let alone on someone as beautiful as Ashley. She was optimistic, almost to a fault. She was a dork, and her sense of humor reflected that. She was caring and loyal and an amazing cook; she was selfless, sacrificing herself for Bella, who she doesn't really know and barely likes. My imprint is the strongest, most courageous woman I know.

That's how the Alpha's mate should be.

I blinked in confusion. Where did that last thought come from?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I pulled out of my parking spot and made my way back to the house. I couldn't stop the smile that made its way to my face as I could hear Kim laughing along with my dad and Sue. I was very happy Kim and my dad were getting along and I knew Ash would be happy as well.

Parking next to Ashley's banged- up car, I got out of the car and walked around to Ash's side to grab her. I made my way into the house, Ashley secure in my embrace. As soon as Kim saw me, she immediately became worried.

"Is she okay?"

I nodded. "I think her sleepless night caught up with her."

Kim shook her head. "What am I gonna do with her," she said, looking at her daughter, humor etched on her features. She glanced at me. "She told me she texted you 'philosophical' and 'insightful' things all night because she couldn't sleep. On behalf of my daughter, I apologize for her subjecting you to that," Kim said jokingly making me laugh.

"It's okay. I'm used to her and her corny sense of humor," I said, flashing a smile. Kim and Billy laughed while Sue shook her head in amusement. Sue didn't know Ash all that well, but Billy knew the sense of humor I was talking about as he found himself on the receiving end plenty of times.

"I'm going to lay her down in my room," I said, making my way to said room. Once there, I gently laid my girl down. Kneeling beside the bed, I watched her silently before leaning down and kissing her gently on the lips. She sighed contentedly with a small smile on her beautiful features. I stood up and walked out, closing the door behind me.

Several hours later, I was well acquainted with Kim. Between laughing and joking around, I noticed Ashley was much like her mom. Kim was also very beautiful and smart, and also had a dry sense of humor, but not too dry. I listened as she told stories about Ashley growing up. Turns out Ashley's father walked out on her when she was a child, and Kim, who was a stay-at-home-mom, had to go out and work in order to provide for her family. She went through a Temporary Agency and they placed her at a law office, and she's been working there ever since. Eventually, they paid of Kim to go back to school to become a paralegal, and of course, she took advantage of it. Eventually, Kim decided to get her law degree. She finished it five years ago and has been working as a lawyer ever since.

I listened intently, finding a newfound respect for the woman. I can see where Ash gets her determination, smarts, and work ethic from.

Billy began telling Kim some history of our tribe, which culminated with him telling a few of the legends. Kim listened intently, awe and amazement laced on her features. As Billy finished up the legend of creation, the object of my affection appeared in the doorway, looking refreshed. Everyone greeted her as she took a seat between her mom and Sue.

"Kim, Ashley told us you guys are partly Native American," Billy said once Kim was finished telling her story.

Kim smiled and nodded. "Were you trying to win brownie points with Jake?" Kim stage whispered to her daughter jokingly, making everyone laugh before turning to my father to answer his question. "Yeah, Blackfoot. My mom was half."

Billy nodded, looking meaningfully at me before asking his next question. "Did she ever tell you anything about your people?" I mentally grinned at my father's insightfulness. Sly old man…

Kim looked thoughtfully as everyone in the room looked at her in interest. "Mom never mentioned anything, but my grandmother used to tell me a few stories when I was little."

Ashley's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really? You never told me."

"They weren't really anything a child should be hearing, but my grandma didn't care. She would tell anyone who would listen to her," Kim said, smiling in nostalgia. "Plus, they were a bit…farfetched."

I hummed in interest. "Really, how so?"

Kim shook her head in humor and disbelief, glancing at me. "From what my grandmother told me, our people were enslaved by vampires, of all things." My dad, Sue, and I made eye contact briefly before I glanced at my imprint. Ashley was pale and looked as if she were going to be sick, her gaze currently on the floor in front of her. Apparently, Kim noticed her daughter's demeanor as well.

"Sweetheart, you okay?" Kim asked, feeling Ashley's forehead with the back of her hand.

Ashley blinked and shook her head slightly to snap herself out of whatever thoughts she was having. I made a mental note to ask her what was on her mind.

"I'm fine, mom. I just…you know I never liked stories involving vampires," Ashley said, smiling slightly. Kim laid a comforting hand on Ashley's arm.

"Sweetheart, vampires aren't real," Kim said matter-of-factly. I mentally snorted. If she only knew…

Ashley glanced at her mom, a flash of disbelief crossing her beautiful features. She looked as if she were ready to refute Kim's claims, but at the last minute, thought better of it as Sue discretely touched her arm. Ashley smiled softly, though it lacked its usual warmth. "I know mom. It's just…there was a missing person's case here recently. The people who went missing had…really crazy stuff done to their bodies that resembled a vampire attack." I mentally applauded my imprint at her response. While she didn't exactly tell her mom the truth, she didn't exactly lie to her.

Kim gasped in horror while wrapping her daughter in an embrace. "Oh, baby, I'm so sorry! I didn't know!"

"It's okay, mom," Ashley said, leaning into her embrace. As Kim continued to fuss over Ashley, I couldn't help but smile. "Mom, really, I'm okay. You can continue."

"But I-"

"It's fine. I'm fine. I promise. Besides, I'm sure we're all interested in finding our more, especially me. This is the first time I'm hearing about any of this stuff."

Kim eyes her daughter before glancing around the room. Sighing, she glanced at her daughter. "I'll continue, but if I make you uncomfortable-"

"I'll ask for you to stop," Ashley said, smiling at her mom.

Kim returned her smile. "You better." Ash's mom glanced around at everyone. "That goes for everyone here."

We all nodded, and Kim continued. "So, our people were enslaved to vam–erm," Kim said, glancing cautiously at her daughter.

Ashley rolled her eyes, grinning good-naturedly at her mom. "Vampires, mom."

Kim made a face at her daughter, making everyone laugh. "Yes, vampires, sweetheart," Kim said, smiling at her daughter. "Anyway, the Blackfoot tribe was enslaved way before she was born. According to Grandma, many of our people became mates to them because we had some kind of innate ability to protect them from their own kind."

Ashley glanced at me in nervousness, mixed with concern. I cocked an eyebrow at her. What was that look for?

"Understandably, the Blackfoot tribe got tired of being used and forcibly mated to the vampires that they decided to rebel. However, in this rebellion, the majority of the tribe got slaughtered. Luckily, my grandmother and her mom escaped before any harm could become of them, though she never told me how. I'm not sure how many more, if any, were spared or escaped, though," Kim said sadly. "That's all I know of the situation. I would love to find out more," Kim said softly, trailing off longingly.

We were all silent after Kim finished, Billy sitting deep in thought, Sue glanced worriedly at Ashley, and Kim stared off into space, a look of nostalgia on her face.

I, on the other hand, was trying to figure out why my imprint looked at me worriedly. She knew I would do everything I could and then some to protect her. Besides, the vampire threat was over. There was nothing to be concerned over, right? I tried to catch her eye, but she looked everywhere but at me. Sinking back into the couch, Ashley sighed as she glanced at the ceiling, the shimmer of tears in her beautiful brown eyes. She rubbed them away quickly as worry laced her beautiful features. I made eye-contact with my dad; he also noticed Ash's weird behavior.

Kim suddenly yawned, a sleepy look crossing her features. I glanced at the clock and noticed it was a little after 11pm. I glanced at Kim. "Want me to take you home?" I asked. Kim nodded, before excusing herself to go to the bathroom.

Once we heard the door close, three pairs of eyes rounded on Ashley. She glanced at Billy, Sue, and myself warily before sighing once again. "Can we wait until later to question me? I'm really not up to it."

"Ash," I began to say, but the exhausted, yet stubborn look on her face quickly silenced me.

"Please, Jake. I promise to tell you-" she glanced at the other two occupants in the room "-all of you, but right now, I just want to temporarily forget everything I was told…just for tonight."

"Of course, Ashley," Sue said, understanding lacing her features. "We'll be here for you when you're ready to talk."

Ashley smiled softly at Sue, before glancing at Billy, who looked at her in worry, but nodded to show he understood. Ashley hesitantly looked at me, her eyes pleading with me to understand. I frowned, but nodded nonetheless.

Soon, Kim was walking back to the living room, telling me she was ready. Ashley stood and said her goodbyes, giving Sue and Billy and hug. Kim did the same before walking out. We hopped in the car and were on our way back to Forks.

The car ride was silent. Ashley was dozing off in the passenger seat and Kim's face was contorted in deep thought. I caught her looking between Ashley and myself several times; an unreadable expression on her face. What was that look for? Did she really not approve of our relationship? It seemed like we were all getting along, not even a half-hour ago. Did I do something?

We pulled up to Ash's apartment complex and I put the rabbit in park. Ashley woke from her light slumber as the car stopped and smiled at me. Of course, I returned the gesture tenfold.

"Thanks for the ride, Jake. I really appreciate everything you've done for me," she said sincerely.

"There's no need to thank me. You know anything you need, I'm here for you," I said in response. What I really wanted to do was grab my imprint and kiss her senseless, but that would probably be inappropriate since her mom is in the back seat.

"Ashley," came Kim's voice, "do you mind if I talk to Jake for a minute? You can say your goodnights when I'm done."

My stomach was suddenly full of nerves.

"Mom, you're not going to scare him off, are you?" Ashley said, half-joking half-serious.

"Of course not. I just need to have a small…discussion with him."

Oh God, a small discussion? For what?

Ashley glanced at me apologetically before leaving the car and walking towards her apartment. I was half-tempted to call her back. I turned in my seat, focusing my full attention on my imprint's mother.

"Jake," Kim started, "I'm not one to get into my daughter's business. She's an adult and I'll support her in whatever decision she makes," Kim said, trailing off before taking a deep breath and looking at me in complete seriousness. "That being said, I need to know what your intentions are with my daughter."

I looked at Kim as seriously and sincerely as possible to show her I mean what I say. "Ashley means the world to me. She's such a breath of fresh air, unlike anyone I've ever met. During the past few months that I've gotten to know her, Ashley has been my confidant" Kim eyed me critically, looking for any signs of deceit as I continued. "She's inspired me to better myself just because she believes in me. Ashley…she's…" I trailed off, thinking of what to say. In reality, Ashley was my everything…my world, but it would probably be a little weird of I told her mom that after only dating her daughter for a couple of months. "Ashley is such a beautiful person inside and out, y'know? I plan to spend every day that we're together making her happy as I possibly can," I said, honestly.

"I hope you can understand why I'm skeptical, Jacob. My baby has been through a lot in her twenty-one years alive," Kim said and I listened intently. "As you've most likely noticed, Ashley is extremely selfless and trusting. With any relationship, she's always given all of herself whole heartedly. There've been people in the past, both friends and family, to exploit that."

"I would never do that to her," I said sternly.

"Her previous boyfriend said the same thing."

I looked at Kim, shock written all over my face. Ashley never mentioned anything about her ex, but then again, I never asked. But then again, if the asshole took advantage of her in anyway, I swear on everyth-

"By the look on your face, I take it Ashley's never mentioned anything to you?"

I shook my head. "No, it's never come up," I said, my voice thick. Just the thought of someone using her made my blood boil. I glanced at Kim, my face full of raw emotion. "Kim, I can guarantee you, I will never do anything like that to Ashley. And I will personally deal with anyone who tries to do so."

Kim was looking at me with an unreadable expression, before softening her gaze. "I believe you, Jacob. Just don't give me a reason to not believe you, or you'll have to deal with me." Kim's eyes twinkled dangerously and I immediately knew she meant business.

"Understood."

"Good. Now, I'm sorry we had to have this talk so soon, but I saw my daughter's suitcases in your room and-"

I stopped listening at that, my jaw dropping open in horror. Her mom thinks we're sleeping together? Oh God, this must be how Ash felt when Billy spoke to her when she first started staying with us!

"Just…promise me you'll both be careful. I'm not ready to be a grandmother."

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Kim was looking at me pleadingly as I just registered what she was talking about. Clearing my throat and finding my ability to speak, I responded.

"Kim," I began slowly, "I know this may be a little hard to believe, but nothing's happened between me and Ash."

Kim looked at me disbelievingly, raising a delicate eyebrow as if to say "You really expect me to believe that?"

"I swear to you nothing's happened. Ash was only staying with us because I was worried about her."

"Why were you worried about her?" Kim asked me seriously.

"It was more so my paranoia," I said, covering quickly. "Remember the missing person cases Ash mentioned earlier? One of the missing people happened to be kidnapped right here in Forks. I didn't want anything to happen to her, especially since she works late hours at times and she lives alone. She was freaked out enough from what was happening, so we, meaning her, my dad, and I thought it would be good if she stayed with us until the issue with the co-riminal was resolved," I said, mentally kicking myself as "cold one" almost slipped.

Kim nodded in understanding, her face showing relief. "I'm just glad my baby girl was able to meet someone willing to watch out for her as much as you and Billy."

I nodded seriously. "I'm glad Ashley trusted us enough to keep her safe."

Kim laughed lightly shaking her head. "Yeah, sometimes Ashley trusts a bit too much. This time, though, I'm glad she did."

I smiled at Kim, who returned it before reaching for the door and stepping out. I followed, walking her up to the door so I could see my imprint. Before Kim and I made it halfway up the walkway, Ashley had the door opened, eyeing both of us curiously.

"Don't worry sweetheart," Kim said, "I didn't scare him too much."

"Mom…" Ashley said, trailing off. Kim laughed before going into the house and calling out a "good night."

I leaned against the doorframe and looked down at my imprint, who was looking at me expectantly. "She thought we were having sex."

Ashley's eyes widened comically as she went slack-jawed. I couldn't help but laugh at her expression.

"Why would she think that?"

"She saw your bags in my room and assumed," I said, grinning at Ashley who still looked mortified.

"Oh my God! I'm so embarrassed!" Ashley said, burying her face in her hands. I chuckled, gently removing them.

"I assured her nothing's happened. I did tell her you were staying with me because of the whole missing person's thing, though," I said shrugging.

Ashley looked at me, her face rosy from her embarrassment. "What else did you two talk about? Did she threaten you at all? She has a knack for that."

I eyed Ashley for a minute before responding. "For good reason," I said seriously causing Ash to look at me in question. "She wanted to my intentions towards you, especially after knowing you were staying with me."

Ashley's glanced at me shyly, reaching for my hand and holding it in both of hers. "And what did you say?"

I smiled at her, pushing off the door frame to stand in front of her. As I caressed her beautiful face with the hand she wasn't holding, I leaned in close to her face, making her breath hitch. I watched in awe as she closed her eyes and puckered her lips. God, she's beautiful.

"I'll tell you later," I said, a smirk on my face.

I laughed as Ashley's eyes opened in disbelief and annoyance. Ashley pouted, before dropping the hand she was holding and swinging her hand to slap my forearm.

"You are the biggest asshole, Jake," she said, trying to be serious, but grinning all the same.

"Yes, and you're stuck with me," I said, leaning down and kissing her forehead.

"Sure, sure," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

AN2: Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! This chapter was meant to answer questions, and I hoped it whetted your appetite more. I definitely have plans for this story! To answer any questions, I plan to focus a lot on Jake and Ashley's life together, so this story is far from over!