Author's Note: *Gasp* Two updates in the same week? I'm on a roll!

By the way, Happy New Year everyone! I know I'm a few days early, but I doubt I'd get another chapter out before or on New Year's day. Hope you all have a joyous and prosperous one! I know I will ;)

Thanks to everyone who took the time to review! Not gonna lie, I'm really excited I cracked over one hundred reviews! I'm glad y'all are enjoying this that much! You guys are wonderful! Also, thanks to everyone that liked and/or favorited this story!

Chapter Summary: Jake's exhausted and Ash gets her backbone back. Plus, there's a lot of flirting.

Chapter 20

I yawned as I glanced down at my watch. It was well after three in the morning. Boy was I glad my Secretary put me absent for today. I'd have to remember to bring her breakfast tomorrow morning. Seth was still here and was currently entertaining himself on my i-Pad. I was curled on the side of the chair, doing my best to not worry about Jake. I mean, Jake should be relatively safe if he's helping a phased wolf, right? Speaking of the phased wolf, Seth told me it was Collin Littlesea. I haven't met the young man yet, but I was told he's related to Jake somehow. Seth told me usually Sam is good about monitoring those exhibiting signs of phasing, but he's been a bit distracted with everything.

Honestly, I felt bad for Sam. This situation must be taking a toll on him mentally. Then again, this situation is wearing on my Jake mentally and emotionally. My poor wolf would do anything to protect me, that much I know, but I don't want him to make rash decisions based on that. Although, no matter what decision he ends up making, I'll stand with him no matter what. Jacob and Ashley. Ashley and Jacob. That's how it'll always be.

"You okay, Ash?"

I glanced at Seth who was looking at me worriedly. I gave him a small smile. "I'm fine, kiddo," I said, reaching over and ruffling his hair. "I wish we had more for you to entertain yourself on."

Seth waived his hand dismissively. " 's okay, not your fault. Jake needs to get on the ball. If he's not gonna have cable, least he could do is get a PS4 or something."

"Why, so you can come over more?" I teased.

Seth nodded. "I like it here, and Jake's cool, y'know?"

I smiled at the young man. "Yeah, I do know."

We were silent as we waited for Jake to come back. Seth had gotten tired of the i-Pad so I grabbed my computer for him to entertain himself. I yawned once again before resting my head against the side of the chair. Hopefully Jake would be back soon and we could lay in each other's arms where we can escape from the world for a while. I closed my eyes, smiling softly as I imagined laying in Jake's warm, strong arms. He smiled lovingly at me as he stroked my back gently, instantly relaxing me. I smiled at him before kissing him softly and stroking his broad chest, whispering to him how much I loved him and him doing the same to me.

I opened my eyes slowly and –wait, when did they close? I sat up and glanced around, instantly realizing I was laying in Jake's bed. How'd I get here? I blinked when my ears registered the sound of light snoring coming from next to me. I glanced over and smiled softly. Jake was laying on his stomach, his handsome face towards me and his arms laying at his side. I reached over, brushing some of the hair that had grown back from out of his face. My heart fluttered against my chest at the picture he made and I shook my head. And he calls me beautiful.

I got up to use the bathroom and brush my teeth before washing my face before going to the kitchen and starting on breakfast. I'm sure the smell of bacon will rouse him soon. I moved around the kitchen subconsciously as my mind went back to the events of yesterday. Jake and Sam were still at each other's throats and it was a little heartbreaking to watch. I wonder what was Emily's take on all of this…I may have to make a trip over there to talk with her. I continued cooking, making a small mountain of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I'm pretty sure Jake was really hungry as usual and rightfully so. I'm sure turning into a giant wolf expended a lot of energy.

"Everything smells good." I turned to see Jake walking into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes sleepily, his hair tousled about his head. I smiled at the picture he made as he came closer and kissed my cheek before wrapping his arms around me from behind.

"I knew the smell of bacon would wake you," I teased. "It's almost done," I said, leaning into his strong chest.

"Good. I'm starving."

"When did you get in?" I asked as Jake released me from his hold.

"After five," he said, shaking his head sadly. "Seth tell you anything?"

I nodded as I flipped the remaining pancakes. "He told me someone named Collin phased."

"Yeah, and flipped his shit in the process," Jake said bitterly. I glanced at my wolf who was now leaning against the counter. "Rightfully so. He's only thirteen."

I gasped, my mouth falling open in surprise. "Thirteen?!"

"Yeah," Jake sighed sadly and ran a hand through his already tousled hair before looking sadly at me. "This can only mean there's more leeches comin.'"

I shook my head sadly and did my best to stifle the guilty feeling I felt rising in my chest. I turned back to the food and took up the remaining pancakes.

"It's not-"

"I know, I know," I said, grabbing plates and forks before fixing his plate. "I know it's not my fault," I said, fixing him a nice portion before fixing my plate. "Between you and Leah emphasizing that one point, I think I'm starting to believe it."

"You should," Jake said, adding syrup to his stack of pancakes. "It's true after all."

I sighed as I hopped up on the kitchen counter and began eating. "So what happened with Collin?"

Jake shook his head. "He got scared and started running. Lil' bastard made it all the way to Canada before we were finally able to get a hold of him and calm him down."

"Canada? He ran all the way to Canada?!" I knew we weren't all that far from Canada, but to run all the way there…

Jake shrugged, his mouth full of food. " 's not really all that far, but far enough. I got to him first and calmed him before explaining to him what happened. It really helps that we can hear each other's thoughts when phased. It helped a lot."

Wow, poor Collin. "At least you guys were there for him. Must be scary, going through that."

Jake nodded. "It is. We didn't know he was gonna phase, though. Usually, the pack is aware of those exhibiting signs. I guess we've been a bit distracted."

"Understandably so," I said, frowning. "Where's he now?"

"At Sam's," Jake said, rolling his eyes. "I offered to bring him back here, but Sam wasn't having it. Asshole," Jake added the last part under his breath, but I still heard him. "Probably thinks I'll turn him against him or something.'"

"Why would he think that?" I asked, finishing my food.

"He thinks I'm planning some kinda rebellion or some shit," Jake said, rolling his eyes. "In his mind, he needs all the numbers he can get just in case."

I shook my head in amusement as I hopped down. "And are you planning a rebellion, baby?" I teased, making Jake smirk at me.

"Only if you'll help me," Jake said, coming to stand with me at the sink as I began washing dishes. "I fuck shit up, you set asses on fire." I laughed at Jake, bumping against him. "Sounds fun, doesn't it?"

"You're ridiculous."

Jake chuckled as he dried the dishes I washed. "I didn't hear you say 'no.'"

"Maybe," I said in amusement. "I can't believe he really thinks you're planning a rebellion."

Jake sighed, shaking his head. "Sam's head is fucked up, honey, I've seen it," he said, frowning. "He usually has control over his thoughts, but last night, his control was slipping. He sees Paul and Jared as the only two loyal to him. He sees Embry and Leah as loyal to me, which means I have Seth. Quil is struggling with his loyalty towards both of us; Sam's his Alpha, but Quil is one of my best friends. In Sam's mind, if he can get Collin on his side and somehow sway Quil, he'll have a fighting chance, should it come to that."

"It won't come to that, right?" I asked, turning off the faucet and drying my hands. Jake said nothing as he put the dishes away. "Baby, it won't come to that, right?"

Jake shrugged and turned to me when he finished with the dishes. "I don't know, honey. I don't want it to come to that, but if I decide I want his position, Sam won't go down without a fight."

"And you're prepared to fight him?" I asked, watching Jake closely. My wolf walked over to me, wrapping one arm around me and caressing my face with the other. He eyes held love and determination.

"I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

My breath hitched in my chest when I saw just how serious he was. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

Jake said nothing for a while; he just continued to stare in my eyes. Finally he said, "Would you be upset with me if it did come down to that?"

I watched as Jake studied my face closely, seemingly looking into my soul. His eyes were intense and serious as he waited for me to respond.

"No," I said honestly. "I wouldn't be upset, Jake." I gazed at my wolf openly so he would have no doubt about what I was saying. "I support whatever decision you make."

Jake stared into my eyes, seemingly looking for any sigh of deceit. He must've been satisfied by what he saw because his eyes softened considerably before he bent down to capture my lips in a gentle kiss.

"I appreciate that more than you know, Ash," he said, and I felt him relax considerably. I didn't even realize just how tense he was. Actually, now that I think about it, Jake looked…tired. His beautiful dark eyes had the beginnings of bags under them and his posture sagged a bit.

"Come on, let's get dressed and head to my apartment so we can get you back home to rest," I said, smiling softly. Jake nodded, kissing my forehead before letting me go.

We showered separately, before getting dressed. I wore a pair of leggings and a white button down of Jake's, and Jake wore a pair of grey sweats with a grey top. We took my car and this time, I drove, telling Jake he needed to relax. My wolf didn't put up much of a fight and leaned the passenger seat as far back as it would go.

"What do you want for dinner?" I asked, pulling out of the driveway.

"Doesn't matter, honey. Whatever you cook is fine," he said, yawning loudly. My poor baby was so tired and probably even more stressed than he was letting on. "We need to stop at the pharmacy, though. I need more condoms."

"I was thinking about getting on the pill," I said, glancing at Jake from the corner of my eyes. Jake cocked an eyebrow.

"Is it safe?"

"Relatively speaking," I said and Jake frowned. "There're side-effects with everything. I can look into them before getting on it."

"I don't know, honey," Jake said, his tone skeptical.

"It would be easier for both of us, and we wouldn't have to stop to grab a condom," I said, pulling into the pharmacy parking lot. "I can get off of it when we decide to have kids."

Jake seemed to contemplate it before turning to me. "Depends on the side-effects, honey," he said, getting out and running into the store. He was back out in a few minutes.

"Two boxes this time?" I asked in amusement as I pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road leading me to Forks.

Jake winked at me. "Gotta be prepared. I don't want to run out anytime soon."

"You planning on using all of them?" I teased.

"You plannin' on lettin' me use all of them?" Jake cheekily responded.

"Maybe," I said coyly. "After you get some rest, though."

"I'm never too tired for you, honey. Besides, you're more of a stress reliever anyway."

I shook my head in amusement. "You're too much sometimes, baby."

"Obviously I'm just enough for you," Jake said suggestively, winking at me before closing his eyes. I smiled at my wolf in amusement. Oh Jake, what was I gonna do with you?

The rest of the drive to my apartment was silent. Jake was resting and I was busy thinking how to get my wolf to relax more. Maybe a nice massage? Maybe dinner and a movie? Maybe a night out on the town? Whatever I did, I wanted to do it soon. I hated seeing my love so tired and stressed.

When we finally did reach my apartment, Jake opened his eyes and stretched before getting out. We walked into the apartment after I stopped to pick up my mail; just a bunch of sale circulars as usual, with one or two bills, which I already paid since I have automatic deductions coming from my checking account. I threw the mail down on the table before heading off to my room, Jake following me before stopping at my bed and falling into it. I shook my head in amusement before going to my closet and grabbing my suitcase, once again packing a bunch of clothes and shoes. Luckily, most of my toiletries were already at Jake's place, so I didn't have much to pack. I rummaged around for more things, remembering to grab my pictures that were still in boxes.

"I'm ready."

Jake grabbed his cell phone and glanced at the time, his eyes widening in surprise. "Wow, only forty five minutes this time, Ash. That's gotta be some kinda record for you."

I rolled my eyes. "Most of the things I need are at you place. Besides, if I need anything, I'll just hit up the mall."

"That your answer to everything?"

"Is that really a question? Shopping is always the answer!"

Jake sat up, shaking his head in amusement before yawning and stretching. "Babe, I don't wanna say you have a problem, but…" Jake trailed off as he stood up and grabbed my suitcase, leaving me with the bag I put my pictures in.

I laughed as we walked out the door. "I don't have a problem, Jake. If I had a problem I would have to admit it, but I don't so I won't."

Jake shook his head at me as I popped my trunk so he could put my suitcase in. "What do they say? The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem?"

"Yep," I said, putting my bag in the trunk before Jake closed it. "Which is why I won't admit to anything," I said as we got in the car.

"Is your mom as big a shopper as you?" Jake asked as I pulled off. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye.

"Of course! Who do you think I got it from?! I swear it's hereditary. If we have a baby girl, she'll most likely have the same traits."

Jake didn't respond so I turned to look at him when I got to a red light. My wolf was looking at me in awe and wonder and his eyes were bright with happiness. "A baby girl, huh?"

I nodded, not quite understanding what was on his mind. I had mentioned kids before, so Jake's reaction was a little perplexing. "I mean, it's possible right?" I asked, turning back to face the road. The light turned green and I drove off.

"Yeah, it is," Jake said, his voice laced with wonder. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye and noticed he was still looking at me with that same look.

I smirked in amusement. "She'll have you wrapped around her little finger."

Jake chuckled. "Not surprising, considering who her mom 'll be."

"And maybe we'll have a little boy as well," I said, smiling as I remembered the vision I had when Jake first brought me to his home. I couldn't tell the gender of the one on Jake's back, but I had a strong feeling the toddler was a boy.

"A girl and boy?" Jake asked, smiling. "And maybe one or two more?"

I glanced at Jake, prepared to firmly state he only gets two kids as I've done before. When I caught sight of his expression, however, that protest quickly left. He was looking at me hopefully and I mentally sighed. Clearly he had me wrapped around his finger as well.

"Okay," I said, smiling at him while glancing between him and the road.

Jake reached over, grabbed my hand and kissed it softly. "You're amazing, Ashley."

"Why? Because I said we can have more than two kids?" I asked, trying to fight the blush making its way to my face. "We haven't even had the first one yet."

"That's not the reason you're amazing, honey," Jake said, his eyes taking on a distant look. "Before meeting you, I wasn't sure I'd ever be happy again, let alone love again." I felt my heart swell with love for my wolf at his words. "Yet here I am, happy as a fuckin' loon and talking about having kids with the most beautiful woman in the world. I think –I think it just really dawned on me that I'll really be a father on day," Jake said in wonder. "And a husband…and Billy 'll have grandkids to spoil. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming." I smiled.

"We'll have kids to spoil," I said, as I turned down the road towards Jake's home. "And you're not dreaming, baby. I'm pretty sure if you were I'd be walking around butt naked attending to your every beck and call."

Jake grinned as I pulled into the driveway. "You know me too well, Ash."

I shook my head as I parked the car and got out. Jake grabbed my bags from the trunk and I opened the door. "We have to get another dresser," I said, eyeing my suitcase. "And more bed linens. Oh, I wasn't even thinking, I should've brought some from my apartment!" I turned to Jake just in time to see him stretch out on the couch with his feet hanging off the side, still encased in his sneakers. I shook my head, going over and untying them before taking them off.

"Thanks honey," he said, smiling at me before yawning.

"Get some rest," I said, bending down to kiss his forehead. I grabbed his sneakers, taking them in the bedroom and putting them in the closet. I then went back up front and grabbed my suitcase, bringing it in the bedroom and unpacking. I put most of my things in the closet since I already used up the space in the drawer that had been designated as mine. Once that was done, I grabbed my laptop and checked my work email. I wanted to make sure there was nothing that required my attention before tomorrow. I frowned as I saw an email from the Blackfoot website I had emailed. Did they really send me information? Shrugging, I opened the email and read the contents.

Dear Ashley,

Thank you for your interest in the Blackfoot culture. In order to better accommodate your request, we would like to meet with you. As you may have already guessed, many of the legends regarding your people have been passed down through oral tradition. If it is pleasing to you, we can set a date and time to meet in Forks, as well as a central location. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best Regards,
Marcus

I frowned as I read and reread the email several times. Something didn't seem right. I bit my lip, frowning at the email. Then again, it wasn't until I sent that email that someone ransacked my office. I really shouldn't respond, but part of me wanted to, just to send a message that I am not easily intimidated. I read and reread the email once more, debating on what I should do. I ran a hand through my hair and frowned. I was so tired of being afraid. I refused to live in fear because of these bloodsuckers. Jake and the pack had my back, so why should I be afraid of thoese assholes?

Not to mention I was just…tired of being afraid. I felt my stomach churn in anger as I thought about everything I've been through in the past six months. I was hunted for no reason, attacked by no reason, almost turned into one of those god-awful things for no reason. I can't continue to live in fear anymore, that's not who I am. My wolf needs a strong mate, not a whiny little baby who's been jumping at her own shadow. I glared down at my laptop before coming to my decision.

I can't let fear of these things control me.

I refuse to be controlled by these things.

Fuck it.

YOLO.

Hello Mr. Marcus,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. Right now, I'm just focusing on remaining safe. My office was vandalized and, to my knowledge, the culprit is still out there and therefore, I must put my search on the backburner for the time being.

Regards,
Ashley Williams

I sent the email with a satisfied smirk. I believe these people sent that vampire after me, and I was going to fish to get some information. There is so much more I wanted to say, but I held back only because I was trying to maintain a sense of professionalism. Also, I couldn't exactly prove they were vampires, and I didn't want to let on that I knew they were. I was about to log out when I saw there was a response. That quick? I furrowed my eyebrows before opening it and reading.

Dear Ashley,

We are so sorry to hear about your office. We understand if you would like to hold off on your search. Do you have any information about the culprit? Perhaps how they look? Anything odd or easily identifiable? We are worried about you and would like to keep your business and help in whatever way possible.

Marcus

I frowned and narrowed my eyes. Okay, if I didn't have any reservations before, I definitely had them now. Why did he need to know if I was able to identify the person –erm, vampire? Just come out and tell me you're a vampire already!

Marcus,

I appreciate your concern, but don't worry. I am very well protected and plan to stay that way. Whoever the culprit is will be brought to justice, as well as whoever may have sent him.

Thanks,
Ashley

I waited for the response with baited breath. Take that, asshole! I am not one to mess with and if you think I am, you are sorely mistaken. Now tell me you're a vampire so I can wake my boyfriend and tell him so he could rip you to shreds!

Dear Ashley,

I am glad to hear you are well protected. Hopefully, the vile being will be brought to justice. It would be a shame should anything happen to you, especially after finding out you're descended from a very special group of people. Whenever you are ready to resume your search, feel free to contact us.

Best,
Marcus

Oh, you condescending bastard. I know you know who sent that leech after me in the first place. I bit my lip in thought, trying to think of a response. Hmmm…

Marcus,

Thank you for your concern. I would be very much appreciative if you could maybe type the information in the email? Or maybe you can record them in sound bites and send them to me? That way I won't have to disturb you again.

Ashley

I waited a few minutes to see if I would get a response. I browsed through the other emails I got and felt a sense of relief when I saw nothing required immediate attention. I was just about to log out again when I got an email from the website once again.

Dear Ashley,

I am afraid that is too much of a hassle for us as there is a lot of information. However, we will be in Forks soon to visit a few friends and we would love to meet up with you then. However, if you are unable to meet with us we understand. I'm sure we'll meet someday soon.

Take care,
Marcus

I felt a shudder go down my spine at the last sentence. There was no way I'd be meeting any of these people and if they thought I was, they had another thing coming. Not only that, but they were coming to Forks, which means they were probably coming to look for me. Fuck, I hated this so much! I leaned back on the bed with my laptop still on my lap, breathing deeply. I'll be glad when life returns to normal. I closed my eyes for a moment and sighed when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I glanced at the caller ID and saw it was from work.

"Hello?"

"Good afternoon, Ashley. I'm so sorry to bother you on your day off," came the voice of my Secretary. My eyes furrowed when I detected a hint of worry in her voice.

"It's fine. What's going on? Everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything is fine on the work front. Though there was a message for you that couldn't wait. It was from a Dr. Cullen." Dr. Cullen? One of the Cullen's was a doctor?! How did that even work?!

"What did he want?"

"He said it was an emergency and for you to call him ASAP. Normally, I wouldn't bother you, but he looked…worried. I tried to get more information, but he wouldn't give me anything more."

I swallowed thickly. Dr. Cullen wanted to speak with me? Which one of them was a doctor? Better yet, why did he want to speak to me?

"Okay," I said, glad when my voice came out stronger than I felt. Pull yourself together, Ash. Jake isn't the only badass in this relationship "What's his number?"

Shannon gave me his number before we said our goodbyes. I sighed, feeling myself tremble. Should I call him? He did say it was important. Maybe I should tell Jake? The last thing I needed was to be caught talking to one of the Cullen's when Jake wakes up. But then again, I really didn't want to stress him out anymore. Fuck, when did my life become so complicated?!

I sighed and shut down the computer and ran a hand through my thick hair before massaging my temple. Between Marcus' emails asking to meet in person and a Dr. Cullen asking me to contact him, I needed a drink…or go shopping…or have sex with Jake. Actually, that last option didn't sound too bad. Jake was an awesome stress reliever, but so was shopping, but I couldn't exactly get up and go by myself and I didn't want to wake Jake because I needed a little retail therapy, especially since I knew he didn't particularly care to go shopping.

I sat up with a grunt and sighed. I needed to tell Jake about the emails and the message I got from work. I stood and made my way to the front. I stood in the threshold of the room and stopped. Jake was sleeping peacefully, one arm across his stomach and the other up over his head. He looked so peaceful as he snored softly. I shook my head and sighed. I can't bother him right now, not when he's so tired. I turned on my heel, deciding to start on dinner instead of rousing him. Besides, the smell of food is usually enough to rouse Jake from slumber.

Several hours later dinner was done. I made smothered steak, spinach, and yellow rice and for dessert, a cheesecake. The cheesecake was currently chilling in the fridge since I knew we would both want a piece tonight. As predicted, Jake woke when I was close to being done and literally followed his nose to the kitchen, inhaling deeply and sighing. We decided to eat up front and watch a movie on my laptop, I couldn't tell you which one though. Jake picked it out and, of course, it had car chases and guns. I didn't pay much attention to the movie though, and Jake was able to tell my change in mood and confronted me as we were having dessert.

"You okay honey?"

I shrugged. "The website I emailed about information emailed me back, wanting to set up a meeting. Of course, I declined." I said, frowning and looking Jake in the eye. "Something didn't seem right about those emails."

Jake nodded, taking another bite of cheesecake. "I'm glad you declined, though I kinda wish you didn't answer at all," Jake said, frowning. "They were pro'aly leeches."

"I know, but I wanted to respond," I said, making Jake raise an eyebrow at me. "It was kinda my way of saying 'you don't intimidate me, fuck you!'"

Jake laughed. "Alright badass," Jake said, his voice dripping in sarcasm, "what did you say?"

I told Jake my responses and he looked impressed. I told him how I tried to get information and get them to tell me they were vampires, even though I already knew. I also told Jake how the email said he would be in town soon to meet with some friends. Jake narrowed his eyes and cracked his knuckles, telling me he'll be prepared.

"So, after I went back and forth for a while through email, I got a call from work," I said, making Jake roll his eyes. "It wasn't work related, though. Apparently, a 'Dr. Cullen' came looking for me today and left his number for me to contact him. Shannon said he looked worried."

"He should. That asshole's not supposed to be around you," Jake growled out.

"Should we call him?" I asked.

"No, fuck them."

I glanced at Jake. "What if it's important?"

"Baby, there is nothing important they can tell us."

Before I could respond, Jake's phone began ringing. He glanced at the caller ID before answering. "What's up, Bells?" I glanced at Jake who leaned back against the chair. "Honestly, Bells, I really don't care what they want." I guess Bella was trying to get Jake to talk to the Cullen's as well? "No, I –what?" Uh oh. Jake's entire demeanor was tense and he stood up and started pacing, his dessert plate falling from his lap and to the side of the chair. "How do you know that?" Jake stopped pacing and looked at me seriously. "Honey, do you know the name of the person you were emailing –what? Not you, Bella, you're not my honey."

Bella thought Jake was calling her honey? Psht, I'm his one and only honey. I pushed down the slight jealousy I felt before I responded. "His name was Marcus."

"His name was Marcus," Jake repeated to her. "So, it was them," Jake said, his eyes widening. "Nope, still don't want or need their help. Thanks for the info though," Jake said, hanging up and sitting back down next to me.

"Well, you were right in assuming you were emailing a vampire," Jake said, glaring in front of him. "And not just any vampire. Apparently, he's one of the leaders." I was talking to a vampire leader?! I was baiting a leader of the Volturi?! Oh boy, Ash, you've really done it this time. "Bells told me the pixie had a vision. There's four of 'em coming, and Marcus is one of them."

"They're coming for me?" I asked, fighting against the dread I felt rising in my gut.

Jake sighed. "They're coming to check on the Cullen's. Apparently, they've still been researching the Blackfoot tribe and Carlisle did the same thing you did and emailed the website for more information. They believe you've been in contact with them and are coming to question them."

"But I haven't been in contact with them, other than the meeting!"

"I know, Ash," Jake said, gathering me in his arms. "Don't worry, you'll be safe."

To be honest, it wasn't me I was worried about. I didn't like the Cullen's, but I'd still feel bad if something happened to them, not to mention Bella.

"Do you know when they'll be here?"

"Not sure, the pixie leech is watching them closely. She'll let us know when their mind is made up."

"This sucks," I said and Jake cocked an eyebrow in question at me. "This whole waiting thing. I hate those things."

"I know you do, honey. You know me and the pack will protect you."

"I know," I said, pouting. "Though I'm half tempted to carry around a huge flamethrower."

Jake let out a bark of laughter. "A huge flamethrower? Seriously, Ash?"

I laughed with him. "I'm so serious baby. I'd be like Lara Croft, just with flamethrowers and not guns."

"I'm all for that idea as long as you were the skin-tight outfit, too," Jake said. I looked at him and saw him waggling his eyebrows at me, making me giggle.

"You'd just get distracted, Jake."

"That's not exactly a bad distraction, Ash."

"You and your one-track mind," I said, rolling my eyes.

"That's not exactly a bad thing honey. Besides, I know you think about me all the time, too."

"Got me there," I said, grinning.

"So you think about me, I think about you. Where do we go from there?" Jake asked, his voice deepening and making me shudder. It wasn't the same tone as his "no nonsense" voice, but it was still a huge turn on.

"Well, since I have work in the morning, I should be getting to bed," I said, kissing Jake chastely.

My wolf pouted. "No fooling around?"

"I'm trying not to go to work hoarse, baby," I said, yawning. Jake gave me his best puppy dog eyes and I sighed. "I promise you, I'll leave on time tomorrow and we can have fun."

"Alright. I'm holding you to that, honey," Jake said, kissing my forehead. I smiled before snuggling into his embrace.

"I love you," I said, closing my eyes. Jake's arms wrapped around me tighter before responding.

"I love you, too, so much."