Author's Note: Hey everyone! So things are gonna start picking back up shortly. Thanks for hanging with me! Enjoy!

Also, I don't own any lyrics/recognizable characters.

Chapter 13

Jake and I were laying in a clearing together, talking peacefully about any and everything. I smiled as every now and then, Jake would nuzzle my neck before kissing it gently, making me giggle.

"I love you so much," Jake said, his expression showing the words he just expressed.

I caressed his handsome features before kissing him lightly on his lips. "I love you, too."

All too soon, Jake stiffened, his face taking on a serious look. Frowning, his gaze focused on the tree line. I watched him intently for a minute before focusing my gaze towards the tree line, trying to figure out what captured his attention. I didn't have long to wait.

One by one, each member of the pack walked towards us, their gaze focused on Jake. I turned to ask Jake what was happening and was surprised when I was met with Jake's wolf. This version of Jake's wolf looked slightly different, though. Jake's wolf was still russet colored, however he was slightly larger than before, almost like he had a growth spurt.

The russet wolf stood proudly on all fours, watching the pack approach him. I watched in curiosity, fascinated yet cautious. Almost as if sensing my thoughts, Jake's wolf made eye contact with me and I gasped at what I saw.

Protectiveness.

Confidence.

Strength.

Pride.

Love.

As Jake's wolf held my gaze, I couldn't help but feel protected, like nothing in the world could harm me. I smiled at my fierce protector as my hand went out to gently run my hands through his soft fur.

Our moment was broken, however, when a fierce growl made it way from the tree line. Startled, my gaze snapped towards the tree line, trying to see what made that sound. My vision became obscured as a russet blob blocked my view. I tried to look around Jake, but he was huge. Huffing, I bent down, looking through the space between the wolf's legs and was surprised to see a huge black wolf making its way towards us. I looked in confusion, not really knowing which member this was, as the only wolfs I've seen phase in person were Leah, Embry, Quil, and of course, Jake.

The huge black wolf eyed Jake in challenge, barking loudly and forcefully. I watched in shocked awe as the pack began bowing and whining, a few pacing back and forth restlessly. I glanced at Jake, and while I couldn't see his face, I realized he wasn't reacting to the forceful voice of the black wolf; instead my wolf stood tall and unwavering, almost as if mocking the black wolf. Eventually, the black wolf stopped barking and snarling, opting to glare at my wolf.

I watched with baited breath as Jake's wolf stood tall, seemingly not phased at all by the black wolf's antics. Jake turned and glanced at me, his expression one of reluctance but acceptance before walking forward towards the black wolf, his posture exuding power. I watched in awe as Jake towered over the other wolf. Slowly, they began circling each other, teeth bared. The other wolves made a wide circle around them just as-

I woke from my dream with a start and breathing heavily. The sun was shining through the bedroom window, letting me know it was morning. I shook my head slightly, trying to clear my thoughts. What was that dream about? How weird. Who was that black wolf and why was he challenging Jake? And why was Jake so reluctant to face him? Better yet, why was I having this dream?!

I sighed, reaching out to snuggle up to my wolf. Frowning, I sat up as I was met with an empty bed. Where was Jake?

"Sugar, yes please!"

My head turned in the direction of the off-key singing. It was then I registered the heavenly smell of bacon wafting in the air. Jake was cooking? Wait, he knew how to cook?

"Won't you come and put it down on me!"

Giggling softly to myself, I decided to get out of bed, shuddering as the cool air hit my naked body as well as wincing a bit as I felt the soreness from my lower half. I wasn't in pain, in fact, far from it. Jake was so gentle and loving and amazing and–

"I want that red velvet, I want that sugar sweet. Don't let no body touch it unless that somebody's me. I gotta be a man, there ain't no other way. Cause girl you're hotter than a Southern California day…"

My giggling soon turned into an uncharacteristic cocky smirk as I realized I was the reason he was singing and in such a good mood. Talk about an ego booster!

"I don't wanna play no games, I don't gotta be afraid. Don't give me all that shy shit, no makeup on that's my sugar!"

I began walking to the bathroom as I began humming the same song Jake was singing at the top of his lungs. I used the bathroom and brushed my teeth with a packaged toothbrush Jake had left out for me. I went to wash my face but paused as soon as I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. My neck had several hickeys, my hair was all over the place, and my lips were slightly puffy. Also, I was glowing; my skin looked positively radiant with a natural blush to it and my eyes were lively and bright. I focused on my face and found I was smiling brightly. All-in-all, I looked like a woman very much in love.

I also looked like a woman who was pleasured thoroughly last night.

Giggling happily to myself, I grabbed the washcloth that was under my toothbrush and began washing my face, the smile never leaving me. Once done, I walked back out to the bedroom, finally noticing one of Jake's shirts as well as a pair of his shorts laying on the bed. Did he leave these out for me to put on? Shrugging, I decided to throw on the clothes, figuring if Jake didn't want me in them, he could take them off of me.

Actually, that wasn't a bad idea…I'm sure Jake wouldn't object either.

Grinning mischievously to myself, I walked out of the bedroom and towards the kitchen, thinking of my wolf the entire time. Upon reaching the kitchen, I was met with the sight of my wolf, wearing a pair of shorts with no shirt, scrambling eggs at the stove and my laptop sitting on the counter, my music on shuffle.

"Good morning, beautiful," the object of my affection said as he turned and graced me with a breathtaking smile. He was so gorgeous.

"Good morning yourself, handsome," I said grinning at my wolf. Jake's grin looked as if it would split his face in half. I glanced around at the food, noticing the bacon was closer to extra crispy and the toast was slightly burnt. Jake saw my gaze and looked at me sheepishly.

"I wanted to cook breakfast for you," Jake said, giving me a one-armed shrug. "I mean, I'm no chef like you, but it should still be edible."

I couldn't help but look at Jake in awe, my eyes growing wide and my lower lip poking out slightly. He was so sweet!

"I'm sure it's as wonderful as you are," I said, winking at my wolf. Jake smiled and turned back to the stove.

"You've already said I have a huge ego. You keep up with these compliments and it'll get bigger," Jake said, jokingly.

Once again, I smiled mischievously. "I can handle your huge ego just fine," I said in a suggestive manner. Jake glanced at me in surprise, his eyebrows practically in his hair line, before shaking his head.

"I've turned you into a pervert," he deadpanned, making me laugh in response. His expression then morphed into a proud smirk. "Damn, I'm good!"

"Sure, sure," I said, dismissively, copying my wolf's saying. "You're not the only one who's 'damn good,'" I said, using, air quotations. "I heard you in here singing to the top of your lungs," I teased.

"And I heard you humming," he replied back, pointing to his ears.

"Okay," I said, grabbing a piece of overly well-done bacon, "So we're both damn good. Where do we go from here?"

Jake smirked at me, his beautiful intense dark-brown eyes looking at me meaningfully. "Back to the bedroom if you keep this up."

I blushed slightly before replying. "I hope you bought a huge package of condoms. I have a feeling we'll be needing them."

Jake winked at me before emptying the scrambled eggs into a huge bowl. He then grabbed a plate and began placing food on it before handing it to me. I glanced around, looking for a place to sit before Jake told me to hold on, going to the front room. I watched my wolf curiously as I began eating a piece of toast. Jake soon came back with the blanket we sat on last night, spreading it on the floor. Smiling at my wolf, I plopped down before grabbing a fork and began eagerly digging in. Jake soon joined me, his plate piled high with food in one hand, his other hand balancing two glasses of orange juice. I reached up and took the two glasses after placing my plate on the blanket so he could sit and not spill anything,

"Not that I'm complaining, but what's the occasion? In the six plus months I've known you, I've never seen you cook," I said teasingly as Jake sat next to me. Was it just me or did he smell amazing. I mean, I could smell that he took a shower, but there was something else there that I couldn't put my finger on. Maybe he put on cologne? No…it wasn't quite that either…at least I don't think so. I mentally shrugged as I placed the glasses of OJ in front of us.

Jake glanced sheepishly at me, blushing slightly. "I wanted to do something nice for you. You've been working so hard lately…I figured this would be your weekend to relax and be pampered."

"Jake," I said, flattered at the gesture. "You didn't have to do this."

"I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Besides, I wanted to share the good news with you," Jake said, taking a bite of toast, bacon and a forkful of eggs at the same time. I blatantly ignored his bad table manners.

"Good news?!" I said excitedly, eating another piece of bacon. Even though it was over cooked, everything still tasted good.

"I'll tell you when we're finished with breakfast."

"Jake…" I said, whining and pouting, giving my best puppy dog look. I wanted to know what the good news was!

Jake sighed, shaking his head in slight amusement. "You're not playing fair, honey. You know I can't resist that look."

"Baby, you can't just tell me you have good news and leave me hanging! What's going on? Did you hit the lottery? Are we getting a dog? Is Santa Claus coming back to town already? It's not even Thanksgiving yet," I said, jokingly. Jake began laughing at me.

"What are you on?" He asked, between laughter.

"Babe, this is me on a regular basis. Get used to it," I said, finishing off my food. Jake had long since finished his and was gulping down his orange juice. I took a swig of mine before looking at my wolf, expectantly. Jake eyed me in feigned innocence, barely containing his smile.

"What?"

"The good news, Jake," I reminded, rolling my eyes at him.

Grinning at me, he grabbed my plate and his own, walking to the sink and placing them in it before waking back towards the bedroom. A few seconds later he was coming back towards me with a piece of paper in hand. Jake sat back down across from me, handing me the paper, a look of eager pride on his handsome features. I eagerly unfolded the paper, my eyes lighting up as my eyes skimmed over the first line of the letter.

Dear Jacob,

Congratulations! We are pleased to announce your acceptance into Port Angeles Community College's Architecture Program.

My eyes lit up in excitement. Jake applied to college and got accepted! My wolf was doing architecture, at that! I turned to my Jake who was eyeing me closely, a look of proud hopefulness in his features. Not able to find any words to express just how proud of him, I practically tackled my wolf, hugging him tightly around his neck. I felt one of Jake's strong arms wrap around my waist.

My eyes filled with tears as I remembered the conversation Jake and I had a while ago about how phasing limited him…about how he wanted so much more for himself than the role he would have to eventually take. My heart filled with joy and love…and hope for my Jake, so much so, I felt as if I would burst. My wolf was finally going to have a life outside of all this supernatural bullshit!

Jake pulled back from me as he heard me sniffle, his face full of confusion. "I thought you'd be happy for me," he said, mistaking my tears for ones of sadness.

I rolled my eyes before hitting him gently on his shoulder. "I am happy for you. These are happy tears, Jake."

Jake eyed me with raised eyebrows. "Erm…okay. Good…especially since I was kinda banking on you helping me if I need it," he said, rubbing his neck in nervousness.

"Of course I'll help you, baby. That's a given! Whatever you need, I'll be here," I said sincerely, grabbing one of his hands and cradling it in both of mine. God I was so unbelievably excited for him!

Jake smiled genuinely at me before leaning in and kissing me chastely. I closed my eyes, savoring his lips against mine. I smiled as I felt Jake's hot forehead against my own. I opened my eyes and stared into Jakes loving ones.

"You know, I have you to thank for this," he began. I looked at my wolf in confusion, not quite understanding what he was getting at. "You inspire me to be better. You encourage me in everything. I don't-" Jake paused as his voice cracked a bit. I watched as his eyes became misty with unshed tears. "I honestly don't know where I would be right now if not for you, Ash. God, I love you so much," Jake said as he gazed lovingly into my eyes, the hand I was holding going up to caress my face. I became overwhelmed with the emotion I was feeling as well as the raw, vulnerable emotion shining in Jake's eyes.

"I love you too, Jake," I said, my voice thick with emotion, "and I swear, if I wasn't so sore from last night, I'd drag you back to the bedroom and practice making babies."

Jake blinked before laughing, removing his forehead from mine as he did so. I giggled at my word choice as well as I sat on my behind next to him.

"Practice making babies?" Jake said, grinning once he pulled himself together. He scooted away from me and before I could ask what was wrong, laid his head in my lap and looked up at me. "So, I take it you want more than one kid?"

I froze, frowning slightly. I've really never thought about having kids. I've always been more focused on my career goals and being successful, working hard to accomplish personal and professional goals, and so far, I had. I was twenty-one years old, lived on my own, paid my own bills, and made a nice amount of money. However, thinking back to my vision of Jake and I when I had first arrived to Jake's house, it seems as if I would be having children…as in more than one. I began to feel unbelievably giddy…the thought of baring Jake's children very appealing. It must be this imprint thing.

"Yeah, at least two. That way he or she won't be lonely," I said. I always wanted a little brother or sister. But then again, because I was the only child I got all the attention which was both a good and bad thing; good when I wanted something, bad when I got caught doing something I wasn't supposed to.

"Two, huh?" Jake mused. "Sounds good," Jake said, closing his eyes and practically purring as I massaged his scalp with my left hand, my right hand laying on his chest, just over his heart. I smiled at my wolf, though he couldn't see it. "Though if we happen to have more, I won't object," he said, smirking at me.

"Jake, we're only having two," I said, mock glaring at my wolf though he couldn't see it since his eyes were still closed.

"Whatever you say, honey," Jake said, waving his hand dismissively. I tugged his hair in warning, pulling none too gently on his thick locks.

"Mhmm, watch it Ash. Remember what happened when you started pulling my hair last night," Jake said, suggestively. I couldn't stop the blush that made its way to my cheeks as my thoughts were flooded with how Jake responded to me pulling his hair. I sighed in contentment as I felt my inner self swoon.

I'm not quite sure how long we stayed this way; Jake's head in my lap and me alternating massaging his scalp and playing in his hair. We made idle conversation, talking about any and everything. I couldn't believe just how perfect everything was; the vampire threat was gone and Jake and I were in love. As far as I was concerned, all was right in the world.

Jake eventually dozed off as I continued playing with his hair, pleasantly surprised when I realized it was a bit longer. Maybe he is growing his hair out. I couldn't stop the wicked grin that came to my face as I imagined the possibilities. Oh gosh, Jake was right! He did turn me into a pervert.

But really, could anyone blame me?

I bent over to kiss my love's forehead gently, watching as he slept and admiring his features as he did so. I shook my head in amusement as I realized the irony in him calling me beautiful when he himself was absolutely gorgeous. Jake was sweet and romantic, but that was balanced with the right amount of ruggedness and masculinity and just…pure unadulterated sexiness. And it wasn't just Jake's outer appearance that was sexy, though that did play a part, but his personality as well. Jake was kind and loyal, almost to a fault; he was also protective and romantic.

I smiled as I thought back to our date yesterday, and while I'm used to being wined and dined, this date was the best that I've been on. Who needs fancy restaurants and men in fancy suits when you have a wonderful guy whose only goal in life is to make you happy? God, I didn't know if I was lucky or blessed or if I did something right in a past life to deserve all of this love and devotion.

My musings were interrupted as I heard a phone vibrate. Jake groaned grumpily before reaching in his pocket to answer, not bothering to look at the caller ID.

"What?" came the grumpy greeting. I shook my head in amusement. That amusement was short-lived, however, as Jake's face went from irritation to anger. "The fuck you want?"

My eyes widened in horror as Jake sat up briskly. By the tone of his voice, I'm assuming it's not Billy.

Jake huffed. "If all you're gonna do is lecture me about my 'heathen ways' I'm going to-"

I watched in mild concern as Jake's face morphed from anger to horror in one fell swoop. He looked at me, worry etched on his beautiful features before morphing to angry determination.

"That won't happen."

What won't happen? What's going on?

"We don't need your help," Jake growled out, pausing as he listed to the response. "I don't give a fuck who they are!"

Pause.

"No! I don't care!" Pause. "Fuck you! It's your fault they know in the first place!" Pause. "Don't tell me to calm down, I am fucking calm!" I cocked an eyebrow, though it went unnoticed by Jake. Yes, baby, you are currently the epitome of calm right now.

"I don't care if you think you can help or not! She's my imprint!"

I froze, glancing at Jake in confusion. Wait, this had to do with me? "Jake, what's going on?" I asked in worry, my nerves suddenly on alert.

Jake glanced at me once again, this time miserably before turning back to the conversation. "Yes I – of course I want to keep her safe, but I – no, we – bu –God dammit, shut the fuck up so I can respond, asshole!"

I jumped at Jake's outburst. Jake's glanced at me apologetically before turning back to the conversation. "Fine! We can meet, but if there is any funny business-" Pause. "-at least let me finish my threat jackass." Pause. "Whatever," Jake said as he hung up. He immediately put down the phone, his hand going up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Jake?" I asked timidly. I wasn't afraid of him, but his behavior was beginning to scare me. Jake side glanced at me before sighing.

"Bella's leech wants to meet with us," Jake started, breathing deeply. I waited patiently for him to continue. Jake shook his head in frustration before turning to face me fully.

"Why?" I asked in confused worry when Jake offered no more.

Jake's breathing began picking up. "Apparently they have a fucking council and they know," Jake said angrily.

Council? There was a vampire council?!

Which means there are more vampires out there? And those vampires know about me?! Or maybe I'm just jumping to conclusions? Please God, let me just be jumping to conclusions!

I felt my breath hitch in my chest as I looked at Jake in horror. "Know what, Jake?" I asked, hoping he wasn't going to confirm what I originally thought. My heart was thudding against my chest and I began to feel lightheaded. I fearfully waited for Jake to speak.

Too much.

This is too much.

Jake sighed, running a frustrated hand through his thick black hair. "They know about you."

But wasn't it vampires that annihilated the Blackfoot Tribe?! Oh, God! What if it was them that did it?! What if they wanted me to betray Jake and the pack?! Oh no! Oh, God, I feel so sick to my stomach right now…I feel-

Darkness.

"Is she okay? Please tell me she's okay!"

"Jake, calm down man!"

I frowned, hearing the panicked voice of my wolf. I shook my head, feeling something cool on my brow.

"She's coming to-hey!"

Thud!

Was that Seth? Did he fall?

I felt familiar hot hands on either side of my face. "Come on, honey, wake up!"

I furrowed my eyebrows, my eyes opening slowly. I was met with Jake's worried, yet relieved face looking back at me before being engulfed in a tight hug.

"Jake? What happened?"

Jake released me from his bear hug. "You fainted, Ash," he replied, looking at me in worry. I sat up on…the couch? Jake must have carried me here. I glanced around, looking at the worried faces of the pack. Wait, I fainted? Why would I-

I gasped as I remembered what happened, suddenly feeling overwhelmed once again. My breath was coming in shallow spurts once again as my eyes filled with tears.

"Oh, for the love of-! Relax, Ashley. You're safe!" My vision was filled no longer with Jake's handsome face, but rather, Leah's beautiful one. Although she sounded irritated, her face displayed mild concern. The bronze-skinned woman held my gaze, glaring at me, almost as if daring me to begin hyperventilating again. I began calming myself, taking deep breaths to regain composure and keep myself grounded. "You good?" She asked once I calmed myself. I nodded.

"Thanks, Leah," I said breathlessly, my voice laced with gratefulness.

"Look at her, Sam! She can't go! Not like this! I refuse to let her stress herself out over some bullshit she really shouldn't be involved with anyway!" I glanced to the right, seeing Jake and Sam involved in, what seemed like, a tense conversation.

"Jacob, don't you think she needs to know? It's about her!"

"I know it's about her! But look! She's having panic attacks at the thought! I can't have her stressed out over this!"

"I'm fine Jake," I said, my voice wavering and not sounding as confident as I wanted. Jake glanced at me disbelievingly, shaking his head.

"No, no you're not fine, and that's okay honey. This is something you shouldn't be dealing with," Jake said soothingly.

It was my turn to shake my head. "No Jake, I need to know what's going on. I don't want to be taken by surprise or anything."

Jake eyed me in frustration. "Then I'll go and relay the information to you."

I glanced at Jake stubbornly. "It's not the same. What if something gets lost in translation, y'know? I need to know everything."

Jake threw his hands up in frustration, his eyes wide in disbelief and frustration. "Ashley, you're freaking out at the thought of the leeches! And these fuckers don't even drink human blood!

"I won't!" I growled out. "And I wasn't just 'freaking out'-" my hands motioned quotation marks, "-about them! It was-" I paused abruptly, stopping myself before I said too much. I glanced around and saw every last wolf with their attention on me.

"You were what?" Jake asked, studying me closely before walking over and kneeling in front of me. I shook my head, fighting back tears as I looked down and folded in on myself. I absolutely hated feeling vulnerable.

"Ashley," I heard Sam's deep, authoritative voice, "what's wrong?"

I gave a watery sigh as tears began silently running from my eyes. I felt a hot, comforting hand on my shoulder and I glanced to the side to see Seth, eyeing me with concern. I tried to smile at the young man, but I couldn't get my lips to form one. Instead I tried to convey with my eyes just how appreciative I was for his comfort.

"Here," I glanced to the side and saw Embry holding out some tissue. I nodded gratefully and took it, wiping my eyes.

They all waited patiently for me to say what was on my mind. Sighing, I finally began. "Did Jake tell you guys…about…my ancestors?" I glanced around, timidly looking at the group, afraid of the judgmental looks I knew I was sure to receive. I was surprised, however, as everyone looked at me with their undivided attention, some with concern on their faces, others with worry. My poor wolf had a combination of the two looks. Everyone except Jake gave an affirmative.

I sighed. "Since finding out…one of my biggest fears has been Edward and his family."

Jake was immediately on the offensive. "Why? Did he say anything? Did he do anything? I swear to you if-"

I placed three fingers on my overprotective wolf's lips, effectively silencing him for the moment. I heard a few snickers from a few of the pack and couldn't help but smile at Jake.

"He didn't do anything," I said, eyeing him in slight amusement. Though, inside I was happy at just how protective he was of me, especially when it came to vampires. I removed my fingers before continuing. "I probably should've worded that differently," I mumbled to myself.

"Ya think?" came Paul's sarcastic voice.

I blatantly ignored Paul before continuing. "I'm not afraid of Edward or his vampire family, per se. I'm more so afraid of what they would do with the knowledge of my ancestry. I don't-" I paused, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. Feeling a familiar hot hand on my own cooler one, I opened my eyes and saw Jake's comforting gaze. Not able to hold his gaze, I glanced to the ground and continued, "I don't want to be forced to serve any of them or forcibly mated or forced to betray the pack or-"

"That won't happen," Jake said, gently grabbing my chin in his soft, yet firm hands, forcing me to look at him determination and protectiveness shining in his beautiful eyes.

"Come on, Ashley," Quil started and I glanced at him, "I know you don't really know us, since Jake likes to be selfish and hog you all to himself," Jake glared at Quil, but I could tell he was joking, "but you're considered family," Quil said, smiling toothily at me. I couldn't help but return his smile. "And family don't let family handle bullshit alone. Right Emb?"

I was surprised as a hot arm wrapped around my shoulder before quickly letting go. "That's right, Quil. Just ask Jake!"

I glanced at Jake who rolled his eyes at the two. "Ha-ha, very funny."

I was surprised when I heard Paul's voice chime in, "Yeah, and if we can all make it through Jake's bullshit, we can definitely handle yours."

Jake glared dangerously at Paul who just smirked in return.

"What the resident asshole means Ashley is this situation is a cinch!" Quil said grinning.

"Yeah, we go and listen to what the leeches have to say and maybe if we're lucky, get to kill some in return!" Embry said, grinning at me.

"I think I'm gonna be sick," Leah said, rolling her eyes and making gagging noises.

"Alright, alright, enough," Sam said, once again drawing everyone's attention towards him. The older man eyed me seriously. "If you don't feel comfortable going, you don't have to. There's no pressure."

I shook my head, waving him off. "I'll be fine, I promise. When do we leave?"

"I can call the Cullen's and arrange a time, though I'd prefer it be as soon as possible."

I nodded. "Makes sense," I said smiling as the man stepped out with his cell phone to his ear. I turned to Jake, who still watched me in worry. "I'm okay, Jake. I promise," I said, standing up and excusing myself, telling the pack I had to go get ready for the meeting.

I grabbed my overnight bag, bringing it to the bedroom Jake and I shared for the weekend. I closed the door, sighing shakily and leaning against it. This was still too much to take in, but I would need to put up a brave front in front of the pack and Jake. Nodding to myself, I walked into the bathroom and started the shower. I stripped quickly and hopped in, sighing pleasantly as the warm water massaged my muscles and relaxed me a bit.

I was also mentally preparing myself for the meeting, which I'm assuming will be either tonight or tomorrow. Either way, I need to stay calm and collected and make it known that my allegiance is to Jake and the pack, and certainly, not a filthy bloodsucker.

Enjoy your week! Please review!