Author's Note: Hey everyone! This chapter took on a life of its own and I literally couldn't stop writing until I got most of my thoughts out. There's quite a bit that happens in this chapter.

Also, next chapter is most likely when the rating goes up. Just giving an FYI! :)

As always, thanks to those who follow/favorite. A very special thanks to those who take the time to write a review! You guys are wonderful!

Chapter 17

Jacob Black was the most amazing man I've ever dated in my life.

After Jake gave me the promise ring and the keys to his home, we laid in bed, talking about any and everything, yet nothing. Our conversation last night wasn't deep by any means; rather, we talked about trivial things like our favorite seasons and the reasons for it; the beach and why it was the most awesome thing on the planet; and why YouTube is one of the best, yet worse things invented.

Overall, it was one of the best nights of my life.

Actually, any time I get to spend with Jake is wonderful.

I smiled as I turned, moving my head from the pillow and moving it to the strong, broad, russet colored chest of my Jake, who was still sleeping. He looked so peaceful when he slept. I wonder what he's dreaming about…

My hand ran up and down his broad chest, appreciating the muscles I found there. I wasn't typically into muscles, but then again I had never dated a guy with such pronounced ones. In fact, my ex was kinda on the scrawny side, though he was tall. I sighed as I thought of the man who had taken advantage of my kindness.

Boy was I glad I didn't have to deal with that anymore.

While I wouldn't take back the time I had with my ex, I am also really glad it didn't work out. He wasn't abusive or anything…he just…was manipulative…and a liar…and to top it all off, my mom couldn't stand him. I should've known if mom didn't like him, he was no good, but I didn't listen. Mom thought I was way too trusting with him and he used that to his advantage. I didn't mind helping others without question, especially because I knew what it was like to not have much, and he used that to his advantage. I ended up spending so much money on him…buying him clothes, and not cheap clothes either, name-brand clothes, and name-brand shoes and sneakers. Hell, I even bought him a five-hundred dollar suit when he went on his first interview…which mom still doesn't know about. I did all of that, and got nothing in return, not that I was looking for anything though. It just would've been nice to know he was appreciative of what I did for him, even if he just got me a thank you card from Hallmark. I sighed and mentally shrugged. You live and learn.

I snuggled deeper up to Jake and was pleased when his strong arm wrapped around my waist before his hand slipped to cup my ass. I tensed before relaxing quickly. I was still getting used to being touched and groped at random times of the night by Jake's warm hands. The touching wasn't unpleasant by any means, but Jake sometimes surprised me at night by cupping and/or squeezing either my breast or my behind. Sometimes, it was innocent, but other times, I think Jake just wanted to cop a feel. Not that I would stop him, at least, as long as he let me return the favor. I shook my head at that thought, but couldn't help but smile widely. Jake has seemingly turned me into a horny teenager, and considering I seemed to skip that phase of puberty, I could only assume this is how a horny teenager would feel.

While I wasn't a virgin before sleeping with Jake, I may as well had been considering I only slept with my ex once. I was a sophomore in college, really liked the guy, and decided to take that next step. It was so awkward, not to mention I didn't even get off. There were a couple of times he wanted to do it again, but I declined, making excuses of either homework of having to study. I only made the excuses because I didn't enjoy it. Actually, since I didn't orgasm, my best friend still considered me a virgin. While Jake didn't "pop my cherry," he was definitely my first orgasm. Come to think of it, Jake was a lot of my firsts…my first orgasm…my first love…my first supernatural experience...

Yeah…Jake definitely gave me a lot of my firsts.

But there's no one else I would've wanted to share any of those firsts with besides Jake.

I glanced up at the peaceful face of my sleeping boyfriend in thought. I wonder if I was his first. I knew I wasn't his first love, that honor belonged to Bella, but I wonder if he ever slept with anyone before me. Should I ask him? Not that I'm jealous or anything…I was…just curious. I glanced at the wall on the other side of the room in thought. Jake would tell me if I wanted to know, but it didn't really matter…right? I mean, he didn't ask me about previous partners, even though I know he could tell I wasn't a virgin.

"If you think any harder, you'll burn a hole through the wall."

I jumped and glanced up at Jake in surprise. Just how long was he awake?

"How long have you been up?" I asked, voicing my thoughts.

Jake smiled peacefully at me. "Jus' woke up. What's gotcha thinkin' so hard so early?"

I shrugged and was slightly disappointed Jake moved his hand from my resting place on my behind back to my waist. "Nothing much," I said, off handedly. Jake cocked an eyebrow before I continued. "It's not important."

"Has to be if you're so deep in thought. You know you can tell me anything, right?" Jake said, rubbing his hand up and down my waist.

I nodded, breaking eye contact and turning my gaze to the far wall again. Maybe I should ask him? He wouldn't be offended, right? I sighed and took a deep breath.

"How many people have you slept with?" I blurted out, wincing as my voice cut through the silence of the room. I felt Jake tense and his hand stilled on my waist. I probably shouldn't have asked.

Jake's other hand caressed my face before lifting it gently by cupping my chin between his forefinger and thumb. I hesitantly glanced at Jake who had his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Why do you want to know?"

I shrugged before averting my gaze. "Just forget it. Like I said before, it's not important," I said, trying to brush it off. It didn't matter the answer…I was just curious. Right? Right.

Silence.

Great…I just made everything awkward. I didn't mean-

"Two."

I blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

"I slept with two girls before you. Both in high school and before I phased."

"…Oh…" I'm not sure the answer I had been expecting, but it wasn't that.

"My first time was my junior year." I glanced up and Jake as he spoke. "Pretty uneventful. I almost creamed as soon as I penetrated. I got a couple of strokes in, though," Jake said in amusement. I shook my head, imagining the long-haired, scrawny Jake from the pictures I've seen of him being adorably awkward. It was actually kind of hard to imagine since I was used to confident, short-haired Jake, though his hair has grown out some which I was pleased with. "Second time was beginning of senior year," Jake said, shaking his head at the memory. "A few weeks before I ended up phasing. I had hit this massive growth spurt and developed into the stud you see now-" he trailed off, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I rolled my eyes at Jake's cocky grin, "and…well," Jake trailed off, coloring slightly and running a hand through his thick hair, "I was horny."

I stared at Jake. "So, you didn't like the girl or anything?"

Jake shrugged. "She was okay." I stared at Jake with my mouth open in mortification. "What?"

"Jake, that's horrible," I said, frowning in disappointment at my wolf.

"Honey, my hormones were revved and every time I walked by this girl, I could scent how turned on she was. We both wanted the same thing and that was it," Jake said matter-of-factly. "We saw each other the next day and acted like nothing happened." Wow, what kind of girl does that?

"So, you only slept with each of them once?" I asked. Jake nodded his head. "What about Bella? Weren't you in love with her?" I was sure if you loved someone, you would hold out for as long as possible. At least, I thought so…I've never had that problem, well before Jake that is.

Jake shrugged. "Bella wasn't exactly as into me as I was her. Besides, she kept emphasizing the fact that she wanted to just be friends, no matter how much I wanted more." I hummed in response, mulling over the information Jake had just told me. "What about you? How many?"

"Just one," I said as Jake lifted his hand and began running his fingers through my hair, gently massaging my scalp. I closed my eyes and sighed. I loved when he did that. "My ex and only one time."

Jake said nothing as he continued to massage my scalp, making circular motions with his fingertips. I sighed in contentment when his fingers moved down and began massaging the base of my skull.

"Who was better?" Jake asked, his voice laced in amusement.

"You obviously," I said, smiling with my eyes closed. "You make me climax…multiple times."

"You didn't cum your first time?" Jake said in disbelief. I shook my head before glancing up into the serious dark brown eyes of my Jake as his hand stilled in my hair. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

I smiled reassuringly at Jake's serious gaze. Always the overprotective one. "No, he didn't; I was prepared. I just didn't enjoy it as much as I guess I should have."

Jake frowned. "The day I don't get you off is the day I'll become best friends with Bella's leech," Jake said, resuming his gentle massaging of my scalp. I shook my head, realizing Jake and Edward weren't even close to becoming friends, let alone being cordial with one another.

"Can we change the subject please?" I asked, feeling embarrassed.

"You brought it up, honey," Jake said, voice laced in amusement as his hand massaged the base of my skull before going to my neck. I shuddered before glaring at Jake's knowing look. He knows how sensitive my neck is.

"Are you hungry?" I asked, trying to ignore the sensations Jake was creating. His hand had found it's way under the shirt I stole from him to sleep in and was running up and down my spine gently. Not gonna lie, I was really turned just by how gentle he always was with me. Those same hands that could be used to literally break me in half were always so soft and loving when they touched me. I know one thing, if Jake wanted me to fix breakfast, we was gonna have to stop touching me.

"Always," Jake said, looking at me slyly. "I'm debating on whether to let you up now or work up more of an appetite."

I heard Jake's stomach growl and I shook my head before reluctantly tearing myself from his embrace. "Guess your stomach decided for you." Jake sighed and pouted at me, making me giggle. "Babe, we have the whole weekend to be together!"

"I know," Jake said unenthusiastically, closing his eyes and resting his arm over them. I shook my head at his antics. "You should probably go so I can get myself under control."

I glanced at Jake in confusion. Jake moved his arm and glanced meaningfully at me, his eyes flickering from mine to his boxer-clad crotch and back again. My eyes found what he was referring to and I blushed profusely.

"I'll be in the kitchen," I said, averting my gaze before turning and leaving the bedroom before either one of us could change our minds about breakfast.

About an hour or so later, Jake and I were having breakfast on the kitchen floor, laughing and joking around. I think the first thig we should do today is find him a dining room set, no matter how much he protests or gets upset about me spending money. I wonder if he'd be upset if-

My thoughts were interrupted as I heard my phone buzzing on the kitchen counter. I got up, grunting as I did so, and grabbed it. I frowned when I didn't recognize the number, but it did have a New Jersey area code. I shrugged before answering.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ash, it's been a while."

I froze. "Ellie?" I asked, surprised that the voice I was hearing over the phone was that of my best friend, Noelle. I was so sure she was upset with me after the email since I never heard back.

She sniffled. Was she crying? "Yeah, it's me. How's everything?"

I frowned, putting my unfinished food on the counter. "I'm doing well. How're you?"

I felt my heart break when I heard a muffled sob. I glanced at Jake, who clearly heard it to since he was looking at me in worry. "I'm good. I just…I really miss you."

I felt my eyes water as well as I listened to how broken my best friend sounded. "I miss you, too."

"Are you coming home for Thanksgiving?" She asked, hopefully.

I sighed, glancing at Jake who looked at me curiously. "I haven't decided yet, though I'm leaning towards staying here. I know if I do, mom'll come out." Jake smiled, his eyes reflecting hopefulness mixed with adoration. God, he was so adorable.

"Oh yeah?" Noelle said, her tone deflated. I frowned at her tone.

"Come out here!" I said, my tone excited. "You have to see my place and meet my boyfriend."

"The guy on your facebook, right? I must say, you've done well for yourself. He's hot," Ellie said with a hint of amusement. I rolled my eyes when Jake smirked cockily at me. "He got a brother?"

"Aren't you getting married?"

Silence.

"Ellie?" I said when I didn't hear a response. "You are getting married, aren't you?" I didn't like the guy she was with, but if she was happy I would be happy for her.

"I don't know, Ash. We got in a big fight and I ended up leaving the house," Noelle said, her tone sad once again. I immediately became worried. I knew me and my mom were the closest she had to family, or rather, that actually treated her like family.

"Where are you?"

"I'm actually at momma Kim's house. I didn't know who else to go to," she replied, and I could tell she was crying. "I hate being such a burden."

"Don't even start," I said, handing my plate over to Jake who dug in with gusto. I actually lost my appetite. "You know mom loves you just as much as she loves me." I felt a tear roll down my cheek as she let out a broken sob. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I hated when she was upset. Ellie was such a good person and didn't deserve half the shit she was dealt.

She sniffled. "I know. I just…I really appreciate everything you both've done for me."

"Where is my mom, anyway?" I asked, opening my eyes when I felt myself pulled into a warm embrace. I bit back a sigh of contentment when I felt one of Jake's hands rub up and down my back gently. I glanced up to see him looking down at me in worry, his mouth full of food he was chewing.

"She went grocery shopping. She's baking me a cake and planning on cooking a bunch of food," Ellie said in amusement.

"I'm so jealous," I said. I missed mom's food. "Tell her to ship me some out here."

"This is what you get for moving so far away, Ash. You miss momma's good cooking."

"So when are you coming to visit me?" I asked as Jake let me go, fixing another plate from some of the leftovers.

"Soon. I really miss you. Plus, I think I need to get away to clear my head," she said, sighing.

"Too bad you couldn't come this weekend. I'm off till Tuesday," I said, hopping up and sitting on the counter. I was really curious about what happened between her and Jeremy, but I wanted to keep her mood light. She would tell me when she was ready.

"Maybe next weekend? Think you can tear yourself away from that hottie and spend some time with your bff?" She teased. I glanced at Jake who was watching me closely with a mouth full of food.

"Shouldn't be hard," I said, winking at Jake. Jake rolled his eyes and gave me a look that clearly said "yeah right." "Besides, I can't wait for you two to meet. Mom loves him and I know you will, too," I said, my face breaking out into an involuntary grin. "He's something else." Jake smiled beautifully at me, his face reflecting all the love and devotion he has for me.

"Sounds like someone's in love," she said in a sing-song voice. "I'm happy for you, Ash."

I smiled dreamily as Jake turned and began washing dishes. "I am, and thanks. You know," I started, grinning slyly, "He has a few single friends." Jake turned and cocked an eyebrow at me and I winked conspiratorially at him. My wolf shook his head before going to the sink and washing dishes.

"Ash…" she said in exasperation.

"I know, I know. We'll cross that bridge when we get there," I said, effectively cutting off whatever excuse she was about to give me. I was determined to help her find a decent guy, no matter what.

"Good. Well, I'm going to let you go. I'll text you with the flight details."

"Can't wait! See you next week!" I said, excited that I would be seeing my best friend soon.

Noelle laughed. "I can't wait either, Ash. It's been way too long. I promise I'll tell you everything when I get out there."

"No pressure. Whenever you're ready to talk about it, I'll be ready to listen."

"You're such a good friend, Ash. Thank you, and I'll see you next week."

"Definitely. Call me if you need anything before then," I said seriously.

"I will."

We said our good-byes and hung up the phone. I couldn't believe my best friend was coming to visit me! I couldn't wait!

"Ellie's coming!" I exclaimed as I hopped down off the counter and went to hug Jake from behind, my arms wrapping around his torso to play my hands across his broad chest.

"So I heard," Jake said as he dried the last dish. He turned to me so I loosened my hold as he kissed my forehead and enveloping me in a warm hug. "This is who I should thank for your stomach piercing, right?" I laughed. For some odd reason, Jake was obsessed with my belly ring.

I glanced at Jake and nodded. "Yep, this is that best friend. She actually felt really bad after it happened and promised to never get me drunk again, or at least as drunk, though I highly doubt I'd ever drink again. My head was pounding and I was so sick," I said, grimacing as I remembered how crappy I felt after drinking.

My wolf hummed in response as he held me. "Are you really gonna try and hook her up with one of the pack?"

I shrugged. "I'm not sure. I'm actually hoping nature takes its course and she finds her soulmate. God knows it's not Jeremy," I grumbled out, frowning and glaring at Jake's chest. I blinked as I heard Jake chuckle and he kissed my forehead. "What's so funny?"

"That's the same look you had when you threatened blondie," he said, shaking his head at the memory before letting me go and leaning against the counter. "So, what's on the agenda for today?"

I looked at Jake in a no-nonsense way. "We're going to find you a dining room table, and before you say no," I said, holding up my hand and effectively cutting off whatever protest was gonna come out of his mouth, "I want to do it because we both can benefit from it. If I'm gonna be spending more time here, I'd prefer to sit at a table when we're eating together." I set my jaw stubbornly to show him I meant business. Jake eyed me closely for a few seconds before finally responding.

"Nothing expensive."

"Promise."

"And if I can afford it, I pay for it."

"No deal," I said, making Jake frown at me. "My treat, besides don't you need to save up for school supplies?"

Jake's eyes narrowed at me as he shifted his weight more on his left side. "I don't start till January; it's only October."

"Doesn't matter," I said stubbornly. "You need to save up. I know this cost you quite a bit," I said, holding up my left ring finger that had the beautiful ring Jake purchased for me. While I absolutely loved the ring and was appreciative of it, I knew it had to have set Jake back quite a bit.

"Honey, I didn't buy the ring so you would feel bad and buy me things," Jake said in exasperation.

"I know you didn't!" I agreed, reaching out to take one of his hands in mine, my brown eyes boring into his own dark brown ones. "This is something I want to do, for both of us. Just think of all the candlelight dinners we could have here!" I was not relinquishing my stance, no matter what Jake said. I knew he was slightly insecure about not having a lot of money, but I honestly didn't care how much money he had. He was so sweet and thoughtful, always saying and doing things that may seem insignificant to him, but really mean the world to me.

Jake sighed and looked away from me briefly before glancing back. "Honey, I know you wanna help, but trust me when I tell you that you don't have to. I'm good with getting things here and there for the house."

I frowned and glared at him, releasing his hand from my grasp. "Is this how you're going to act when I move in?" Jake's eyes widened in surprise, almost as if the thought hadn't crossed his mind, "I mean, eventually we will move in together, right?"

Jake nodded. "No, I mean yes! Wait, no!" Jake sighed before running his hand through his hair. "No, this isn't how I'll act when you move in, and yes, we will move in together," Jake responded. "I just need you to understand that you don't have to do anything for the house."

I shook my head before smiling gently at my wolf. "Psht. As if I'd let you do all the shopping alone." Jake glanced to the side in thought. "And what kinda girlfriend would I be if I didn't help my sweet, loving, and extremely thoughtful boyfriend decorate the home I spend a good amount of my time in?"

Jake glanced back at me, that thoughtful look still on his face. "You forgot the fact that I'm sexy as fuck."

I blinked at Jake in disbelief as his face broke out into s cocky smirk. I shook my head in amusement, laughing at Jake. "Humble much?"

Jake laughed. "Sure, sure, you know I'm right," he said before eyeing me seriously. "Fine, we'll find something reasonable and we'll go half," I was about to protest but Jake's stubborn posture pretty much told me he was not relenting at all.

"Deal," I said, holding out my hand for a handshake. Jake took my offered appendage before pulling me close and kissing me gently on the forehead. I smiled as he held me close and I rested my head on his chest.

I rubbed my hands up and down his back soothingly as I lost myself in thought. I wanted to do more for Jake, I just needed to figure out a way to get him to accept my help without it sounding like help, or worse, pity. I didn't pity Jake, or Billy, or anyone on The Rez for that matter. In fact, I had so much respect for the residents here who've made the best of the shitty hand they've been given.

I glanced up at Jake and was surprised to find him looking down at me, his eyes shining with all the love and devotion in the world. I smiled at the beautiful man before me. "Let's get ready so we can get back and enjoy the rest of our time together."

Jake nodded, letting me go slowly and I regretfully left his warm embrace. We showered separately and got dressed. Jake put on a pair of black sweatpants, black and red sneakers, and a red short sleeve PACC shirt, and I'm assuming the PAAC stood for Port Angeles Community College. I put on a pair of jeans, white sneakers, a dark blue tank top and a blue flannel that belonged to Jake. I enjoyed wearing his clothes; not only were they comfy, but they smelled like him…in a good way. Other than being in his arms, Jake's scent brought me comfort. Jake cocked an amused eyebrow at the sight of me in his clothes but said nothing. I grabbed my purse and we walked out and decided to take my car since apparently his needed a tune-up. I handed the keys over to my wolf before getting in the passenger's side and driving off. It was unseasonably warm for a late October day so we didn't need a coat, not that Jake needed one anyway.

"Jake and Ash on another adventure!" I said, grinning at Jake. Jake glanced at me from the corner of his eyes before rolling them. "Come on! You can't tell me you're not excited."

Jake shrugged. "It's just furniture shopping. No biggie."

"'No biggie' he says," I said, playfully mocking him and eliciting a glare. "Babe, do you know how many people would love to be in your position and own their own home? Hell, owning a home hadn't even crossed my mind before," I said, taking out my phone and going to the camera.

"Sure, sure," Jake said nonchalantly, "owning a home is exciting, I suppose…or maybe it becomes more exciting once you get stuff in there."

"That's where I come in! So, I was thinking we could paint the front room tan. It goes with the tapestry and the black furniture won't be so contrasted against the bright white wall," I suggested before fixing my hair and taking a selfie with Jake smirking at me in the background. I smiled at the photo; this was so gonna be my new profile pic!

"Sounds good, honey," Jake said, offhandedly. "I also need to hang some pictures of you. You can't be my girl and I have nothin' to show for it other than facebook."

"We could stop by my apartment on the way back. I have so many pictures that I haven't hung yet," I said, smiling at Jake. "Or, we could be that couple and find a photo booth to take a bunch of cheesy photos in."

"Maybe," Jake said, looking at me in amusement as he came to a red light. "Or you could take a few yourself and send them to me," Jake said suggestively. I blushed and rolled my eyes.

"You first," I said, smirking.

"Deal."

My smirk fell. "I was joking."

Jake grinned slyly at me. "Too late, honey. You should know not to play like that, Ash."

"I won't reciprocate!" I said, blushing yet kind of looking forward to the picture.

Jake laughed as he pulled into a half-empty parking lot and into a spot. "You don't have to, baby. I'm sure after you see the pics I send you, I'll have you begging again."

My stomach did a flip in excitement though I tried to hide it, but by the knowing shit-eating grin on Jake's face, I didn't do a very good job. "Smug bastard," I mumbled out, crossing my hands over my chest and trying to hide the grin on my face.

Jake chuckled. "Come on, honey. The sooner we find a table, the sooner I can get you back home and remind you why I'm so smug."

I bit my lip as a smile threatened to break on my face. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," Jake replied challengingly before smiling lovingly at me.

"Well, I may have to show you why it's best to remain humble and let your actions speak for you," I flirted. Jake's eyes darkened as his eyes flickered from my eyes to my lips and back to my eyes.

"Oh yeah?" Jake asked, his already deep voice taking on a sultry tone.

"Yeah," I replied challengingly as well. Jake leaned forward and I met him half way. Our lips barely touched before my phone rang. I sighed as my forehead came to rest against my wolf's briefly before reaching in my pocket and grabbing my phone. I blinked in confusion as I moved away from Jake. Why was the hospital calling me?

"Hello?" I asked, my voice laced in surprise.

"Hello, is this Ms. Williams?" Came the voice over the phone. I glanced at Jake who was frowning at me. He probably saw the number and the name flash across my phone screen. I hope I didn't have to be called in; if I did, I would have a lot of making up to do for Jake.

"Yes, this is her."

"This is Andy James from Security. I'm calling because there was a break-in and your office was vandalized."

"My office?" I asked in disbelief. "Was anything taken?"

"I'm not sure, ma'am. Are you able to come down an take a gander?"

I glanced at Jake who was already pulling out of the parking lot. "Yeah, I'm on my way."

"Thank you, ma'am. If there's anything missing, we'll need you to file a report."

"Was my office the only one broken into?" I asked. Who would vandalize my office and why?

"'S far as we can tell, yes ma'am."

"Okay, I'll be there soon. Thank you Mr. James," I said, hanging up and glancing at Jake. "Who would vandalize my office?" I asked, incredulously.

"I don't know, but I better not find out who did it," Jake growled out as he glared fiercely in front of him.

"Baby, relax," I said, reaching over and stroking his arm. "No one got hurt, at least I'm assuming so."

"Doesn't matter. No one fucks with my imprint," Jake said, glancing at me briefly before turning back to the road.

"Jake," I said in disapproval, though I loved how overprotective he was of me. "You don't wanna get hauled off to jail, right?"

"Babe, my dad's best friend is the Chief of Police. No way Charlie would let me sit in jail for even a moment."

"Okay, just…play it cool when we get in there. I don't want them kicking you out because you lost your shit," I said, pleading with Jake.

"I promise I won't lose my shit and get hauled off to jail," Jake said, glancing at me. "But if I catch the bastard who did it, all bets are off."

I sighed before turning back around to stare out the window. I don't know why my office was targeted, but I just hoped it didn't happen again.

Jake and I rode in silence, but I continued to stroke his arm to keep him calm. We arrived at the hospital and I was surprised it looked normal. Jake parked in the lot and we both walked to the entrance. Jake froze just as we reached the entrance; his posture was rigid and his eyes were alert.

"Jake, what's wrong?" I asked worriedly. His behavior was starting to scare me.

Jake turned to me and whispered. "I smell leech." I froze, my eyes widening in surprise. "It's fading, but still here."

"Is it, like, 'Cullen' leech or like 'a possible threat' leech?" I asked, my nerves standing on end. Please say Cullen, please say Cullen, please say Cullen…

"It's not Cullen."

…why couldn't you say Cullen?!

"I need you to stay near me at all times, honey. I don't know if that thing is still around and I won't take any chances," Jake said, all business.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay," I said. Jake held out his hand for me, but I latched onto his arm instead. I hated vampires. Ever since my run in with the red-headed psychopath, just the thought of them sent chills down my spine, and not in a good way.

Jake pressed the button for the elevator and we waited patiently as it came. Jake's entire body was on alert as he scrutinized everyone who passed through the main lobby. He said the scent was fading, so the thing had to be long gone, right?

I jumped when the elevator dinged, signaling it had arrived. Jake glanced at me before walking into the elevator. Luckily, we were the only two riding it. Jake pressed the button to the fifth floor before turning to me and gently prying his arm from my vice grip. Jake put his hands on my shoulders before looking me in the eye.

"Honey, relax. I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you," Jake said sternly, his intense gaze holding my own frightened one. "Do you trust me to keep you safe?"

I stared into Jake's serious, dark brown eyes and fought not to turn away from the raw emotion I saw shining there: love…adoration…fierce determination…loyalty…but perhaps the most overwhelming expression showed on his handsome face was protectiveness.

Jake would protect me no matter what. For that one reason, I knew I had nothing to fear.

"I trust you, Jacob," I said with as much sincerity and conviction as I could. Jake held my gaze for a moment longer, seemingly studying me to see how serious I was. When he was satisfied with what he saw, my wolf bent down and kissed me gently, only releasing my lips when the elevator reached its destination.

Jake grabbed my hand as we walked towards my office. I could see from the end of the hallway just how much activity was down my the office. I glanced at Jake as I heard him curse under his breath before lifting his arm to cover his nose.

"This place fuckin' reeks!"

So much for my theory. I let go of Jake's hand and went in my purse, putting some of my scented lotion on my hands and rubbing them together. "Is that better?" I asked before grabbing his hand again.

Jake shook his head miserably. "Now it smells like shit and lavender." I frowned. "Don't worry about it Ash. We'll be out of here soon enough."

We reached my office suite, which was open and bustling about with security activity. As soon as Jake and I walked through, everyone's eyes snapped to us.

"I'm Ashley Williams, I work in this office," I said, finding my ID in my purse and presenting it. "This is my boyfriend. We were out together when I got the call so he tagged along," I said when a few security guards began seizing Jake up, though Jake paid them no attention. A shorter, chubby man with a five 'o clock shadow and dressed in the standard grey security uniform approached me.

"Ms. Williams, I'm Andrew. I called you earlier," he said, holding out his hand. I shook it before he glanced at Jake curiously. I turned as well and saw Jake frowning as he glanced around. "As best we can tell, there's nothing missing, though your office is a mess. Someone went through your drawers and file cabinet, though we're not sure if anything's missing. You mind taking a quick inventory?"

I nodded, pulling Jake with me and to my office. "This won't take me long," I said to Jake. "I just have to make sure no one's file is missing. If it is, I have to contact and inform them." HIPPA laws were a bitch, but they insured privacy and if violated, the hospital would have to pay some hefty fines…not to mention the possibility of jail time.

I glanced around and was surprised to see relatively clean office and my middle-aged Secretary sitting at my desk and putting files back together. "Shannon? What're you doing here?"

The older woman glanced at me and Jake, smiling as she did so. Her long, black hair was in a pony-tail and she was wearing a purple sweater with a pair of jeans and sneakers. "I got the call as well. I tried to get here to run interference so you could enjoy the rest of your weekend with your stud-muffin," she said, winking at me before glancing at Jake who was walking around my office and surveying it. He was extremely tense as he stood in front of my overturned file cabinet. Wordlessly, Jake bent and righted the steel cabinet, effortlessly moving it.

"Is there anything missing?" I asked Shannon as she watched Jake in awe. I glanced at the files she had on my desk.

Shannon shook her head, snapping out of her stupor. "Business invoices are all here as well as all background checks, and personnel files. I'm not sure what they were after, but I think they got upset when they couldn't find it."

I sighed before glancing at my computer and saw it was on. "Shannon, did you turn my computer on?"

Shannon glanced at me in confusion. "No, I assumed you left it on when you left."

I shook my head. "No, I'm pretty sure I shut it down when I left yesterday," I said, glancing from Shannon to the computer. Right? I mean, I'm pretty sure I did.

"Here," Shannon said, getting up from my seat. "You check your computer while I put these back."

I nodded, immediately sitting down at my desk and logging on. Jake walked over to me, leaning down over me and watching the screen. My desktop looked normal, as did the icons on the computer. I clicked on the internet, waiting for it to load. I checked the history tab and realized nothing looked out of the ordinary. I sighed, closing it out and frowning.

"I'm not sure what it was here for," I whispered to Jake.

Jake leaned closer to me. "I don't like this. The scent is concentrated in your office so it must've spent a while in here."

I frowned before going in my drawers, looking to see if anything was missing, but nothing stuck out. "Do you think…?" I trailed off, not wanting to say what was on my mind.

Jake's eyes narrowed. "It's possible. I need to alert the pack."

I shuddered before nodding. If it is the Volturi, how did they find out I-

I gasped as realization hit me.

It couldn't be, could it?

"What's wrong?" Jake asked.

"Do you think it could be the email I sent? Do you think they tracked me through that?" I asked worriedly.

Jake frowned as his eyes widened a bit. "It's possible. But how would they know where you worked?"

"My signature is attached at the end of my work email," I said. "It has the hospital address as well as my work number."

Jake frowned as he ran a hand through his hair. "Fuck," he whispered. "We need to alert the pack. If there's a leech around here, they need to know."

I nodded as Shannon came back over and smiling at Jake and myself. "Welp, files are back in order. I don't know what whoever did this was after, but they didn't take anything."

I smiled at my Secretary. "As always, thanks Shannon."

"As always, you're welcome Ashley," she said, smiling brightly. "I'm gonna cut out. My husband wants to go out later and I need to get ready."

I smiled. "You two enjoy. I'll see you Tuesday."

Shannon nodded before saying goodbye to both Jake and myself. I turned to Jake who held out his hand to me. I took it and he helped me up before leading me out. I stopped, speaking to the security and informing them nothing was missing, at least, that we could see. They informed me they would continue their investigation and let us know the findings.

Jake and I left and we went to my car with my wolf driving once again. We were both silent; both of us in thought. While Jake was probably coming up with strategies, I was feeling guilt set in. I should've been more careful. I shouldn't have been so careless! I've put my own self in danger and now Jake and the pack had to come to my rescue.

I sighed, holding back tears. The lives of the pack would be put in danger once again, all because I thought I was helping. How could I be so naïve? I shook my head sadly.

I just hoped the pack wouldn't be too upset with me.

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