Author's Note: Hello beautiful people! I'm really glad you guys loved the fluff of last chapter! Of course as most of you already guessed, because we had such a fluffy chapter, things have to start getting…not so fluffy, though not immediately. Thanks again for all the reviews/likes/favs! You guys are awesome!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except for Ashley and my imagination.

Chapter Summary: Shopping, bad news, Ash gets pissed…and a few surprises.

Chapter 25

Jacob's POV

"Jacob? It's Edward."

"Whadaya want?"

"They're coming."

I froze in the center of the appliance section of Sears. Ash and I were out looking for a washer and dryer for our home while Quil kept Noelle company. Ashley was talking with the salesperson about prices before I stepped away to answer my phone.

"When." More of a statement than a question.

"In a few days. Alice believes they'll be here around Halloween." Pause. "There are also a few others in the area, though we're not sure if they're with the Volturi or not; I wouldn't put it passed them. We picked up their scent earlier today."

"We got one a couple weeks ago that came sniffin' round."

"Really? What did it look like?"

"Tall and blonde, wore black, pale," I said before whispering, "red eyes, had fangs."

"That's not helping, Jacob," came the condescending, exasperated tone.

"Sorry, next time I'll be sure to stop and paint a picture for you," I spat sarcastically. "Hopefully it'll pause in its pursuit of my girlfriend long enough to pose for me."

I heard the leech sigh. "Must you be so difficult?"

"Truth be told, you all look alike to me."

"Well if that isn't discriminatory," he sniffed. I rolled my eyes.

"It's the truth, asshole. Live with it."

I heard the leech on the other end huff in annoyance. "Anyway, back to the matter at hand. It would probably be best if she stays with you for-"

"Already taken care of."

Pause. "Oh?" His curiosity was practically tangible.

"Yep," I simply replied, though I could tell he wanted me to elaborate. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Although we were now cordial, we were far from being friends. "How long they stayin?"

"We're not sure. Alice is trying to figure it out. When we have an idea, we'll let you know."

"Good," I said, hanging up the phone.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair, the other hand holding several bags full of clothes, both for me, and for my girl. Truth be told, I didn't want to worry Ash, however, she needed to know that there were not only threats around, but the asshole Voluturi were coming. Hopefully, she wouldn't freak out too much. I sighed as I made my way back over to my imprint, who was busy checking out a washer/dryer unit that was connected to each other. When she saw me, a huge, excited smile graced her features. I mentally sighed, hating that she wouldn't be sporting that carefree grin for much longer.

Fuck those things. They won't ruin our day out.

I'll tell her later. Right now, she needs to enjoy herself.

I sent a quick text to the pack, letting them know there may be leeches in the area and to be alert. Better to be safe than sorry.

"Baby, look! I like this one!" She exclaimed as I came to stand by her. "It's perfect for our laundry room, and look-!" she said, pointing to the price. "It's reasonably priced! Aren't you proud of me for not picking out an expensive one! Can we get it?" She asked as she gave me her puppy dog eyes. I mentally sighed. She knows I have a hard time resisting that look.

I glanced at the unit, trying to focus on what was in front of me rather than the information I was given. My eyes narrowed at the price before glancing at her. "It's still a little pricey, Ash."

Ash's grin faltered as she glanced between me and the washing unit. "Jake, these are good quality machines! You can't beat this price for this brand!"

"So we'll look at another brand."

I fought the annoying urge to cave in as my girl frowned at me, her beautiful brown eyes growing impossibly larger as she poked her lip out. "But I like this brand…"

I sighed. Goddamnit. "Fine, we'll get it." Just like that, her smile was instantly replaced as she did a little dance in the store. "You're so spoiled."

"What can I say? I was the only child and the first grandchild. Blame my mother and grandmother!" She said, grinning like the cat that caught the canary.

"You're lucky I love you."

"Yes, I am," she said smiling beautifully at me, her eyes holding all the love in the world for me.

We found the salesperson who had been helping us earlier, and paid for the machinery as well as scheduled the delivery for Monday. Ash was excited since we were finally "getting our house together," which prompted her to take out a small notepad and pen.

"What are you doing?" I asked as we paused for her to jot down some things.

"I'm making a list of things for the house. I think we should paint the rooms as well, I'm thinking tan for the front room? It'll match the tapestry beautifully. Oh! Can we paint the bedroom blue?"

"Whatever's fine with me," I said as Ash finished making her notes.

"Really? So if I wanted to paint the bedroom pink with white polka dots…?" She asked as she grabbed my hand. We walked out the store.

"Okay, maybe not whatever," I said. "We can do what you want, within reason."

"So how about –oh my god! Jimmy Choo is having a sale! We have to go!" As soon as the words left her mouth, Ash let go of my arm and booked it into the store. I blinked in surprise. I've never seen her move that fast. I shook my head, sighing aloud.

I didn't know who this Jimmy Choo was, but I suddenly wanted to kick his ass.

I followed after my imprint, watching as she grabbed a pair of blue high-heel shoes while simultaneously scanning the racks for more.

"Do you like these?" She asked, holding up the shoe for me to see as she scanned for anything else she may like. "Oh, these are cute! I don't have this color either!" She said, referring to another pair of shoes, these ones pink and higher than the first pair she picked up. Finally she glanced at me. Oh, she actually wanted me to answer?

"Uh, sure?"

She frowned. "You don't like them?"

"I don't exactly wear heels, Ash."

"You should baby, they'll make your calves look fabulous!" My face fell at her response making her laugh. "I'm kidding, Jake," she said before grabbing the sales person and asking for a size eight in a half.

We found a seat amongst the crowded store as we waited for the sales clerk to come back with the shoes for her to try on. "Remind me to never go shopping with you again."

Ash giggled as she wrapped and arm around my own before leaning over and kissing my cheek. "You wouldn't have had to come if you didn't have such an issue with Alice coming."

"I told you, if you could've convinced Leah to accompany you, I didn't have a problem with it."

Ash pouted. "You did that on purpose, baby. You knew the moment I mentioned Alice would be coming, Leah would refuse."

I grinned at her. "Guilty." Ash rolled her eyes. "Right now, I don't mind working with them for obvious reasons," I said, looking meaningfully at my girl, "I'm just not one hundred percent sold on you being friends with them."

"It's not about being friends, baby. It's about shopping. Who am I to pass up a shopping partner?!"

"Honey, you've done enough shopping to last a lifetime."

"Believe it or not, I'm restraining myself," Ash said, smiling at me as her eyes twinkled in mischief.

My eyes widened in disbelief. "This is restraint?! Ashley, look at all these bags!" I held up both arms that had several bags hanging from each one.

She shrugged. "I told you, shopping's therapeutic for me!"

"I can think of other ways to relieve stress other than buying stuff from every store."

"Don't be so dramatic, baby. I've bought stuff in almost every store," she said as the salesperson came with the shoeboxes. What was the difference?! "I didn't go into Claire's."

"You're not a kid!"

She shrugged as she tried on the blue heels first. "I could've purchased hair accessories. They have really cute headbands."

"Really? Our dresser is already littered with hair accessories!"

Ash shrugged. "You're the one who wanted me to grow my hair out, Jake. Now that it's passed my shoulders, I need more stuff for it! Wearing it out or in a ponytail gets boring after a while," She said, standing up and walking back and forth in the shoes before stopping in front of a mirror with her back turned towards me. "What do you think?"

"Your ass looks hot."

"I meant about the shoes, Jacob."

"Sorry. The shoes make your ass look even hotter."

"I guess that's about as much of a compliment I'm gonna get on the shoes," she said rolling her eyes while eyeing herself in the mirror. "Huh, you're right. These shoes do make my ass look hot."

I grinned as she took a seat again. "See, I told you."

"Jake, you always think my ass looks hot, no matter what I'm wearing," she said, now trying on the pink heels.

"Or what you're not wearing."

Ash rolled her eyes as faint blush made its way to her cheeks. "What am I gonna do with you, Jacob?"

"I can think of a few things," I said, wagging my eyebrows up and down at her.

"Let me rephrase that," she said, standing up once she buckled the clasp on the strap around her ankles. "What am I gonna do with you that won't have us arrested for public indecency?"

"…I can still think of a few things."

Ash glanced at me from the corner of her eye before modeling in front of the mirror once again. "So, other than making my ass look hot, what do you think of these?"

I eyed the shoes for a moment before glancing at my girl and shrugging. "They look good on you," I said, honestly.

She smiled. "Great! I'll get both pair."

Ash changed back into her shoes before going to the register. I followed after her and once the sales clerk rang her up, I presented my credit card for payment.

"Jake! You don't have to-"

"Let me spoil you, honey," I said as the woman at the register swiped my card and gave it back to us, smiling at the two of us.

"Baby, seriously, you didn't-"

"I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to."

"Thank you, baby," she said, grabbing my arm and wrapping her own smaller one around it. "You're so sweet."

The sales clerk gave Ash her bag and we left the store. "Anywhere else you wanted to go? I'm pretty sure there're two stores upstairs you haven't been to yet," I said sarcastically.

"Ha, ha," she said, snuggling against my arm. "No, we can go. I think I've done enough damage."

Thank God! We walked out to the parking lot and got into my car. "Did you want to go anywhere else?"

"No, I kinda wanna go home and plan more things for the house. I'm so excited!"

I smiled sadly, realizing soon her day of fun would soon be no more. Fuckin' leeches ruining shit. She doesn't deserve this…to be wanted for something that was completely not her fault. I growled low in my throat at the thought of them coming for her.

"Jeez, Jake. If you don't want a beach theme for our office, all you had to say was 'no.'"

"Huh?"

"I suggested a beach theme and you growled at me," she said, cocking an eyebrow at me.

"I wasn't growling at you, honey."

"So why were you growling?"

I frowned deeply and sighed. "I don't want to ruin your day…"

I felt her genuine surprise at my statement. "Why would you ruin my day? We've been over this, you're the best part of my day."

I glanced at her briefly before turning my eyes back to the road. "There may be leeches in the area."

Ash gasped and I could scent the fear coming from her. Her heartbeat sped up and I could hear her swallow thickly. "Like in La Push?"

"In Forks. You know how I stepped away to take a phone call?"

"Yeah."

"It was Bella's leech. He was calling to tell me there were some in the area..." I said, trailing off.

"Are they here for me?"

"…I'm not sure."

Ash took a deep breath before resting her head against the seat. "I guess it's a goof thing I started keeping matches on me, huh?" She said, attempting a joke. I said nothing as she took a deep breath, attempting to calm her racing heart. "I won't be afraid, Jake. I refuse. I'm so tired of being afraid of these things."

"You don't have to be afraid. You know I'll protect you."

"I know you will. It just sucks I can't defend myself against these things, y'know?"

I said nothing as I drove on the highway, debating whether or not to tell her about the other threat coming for her. I didn't want her to be any more upset than she already was. But on the other hand, she needed to know. God forbid I didn't tell her and she got upset with me, especially since they're after her. I sighed, shaking my head.

"The Volturi are on their way as well," I said, glancing at her when I came to a red light. Rather than seeing fear like I expected, my imprint stared angrily in front of her, her hands balled into fists on her lap, though she said nothing. "Ash?"

"You know what, Jake?" She shifted in her seat and turned her fiery gaze towards me. "Fuck them! I'm not living in fear because some stupid asshole vampires have some kinda vendetta against me for something I can't control! I'm going to continue my life as normal! I'm going to continue go out, I'm going to continue shopping for our home, I'm going to continue living my life on my terms! Fuck those leeches and fuck the Volturi!"

My eyebrows shot into my hairline as I stared at my imprint surprise. I've never seen her this angry before. "I'm so over living in fear! I refuse to be a victim! All I know is those jackasses are lucky I can't phase into a wolf, or I'd fucking annihilate them myself!"

The beeping car behind me alerted me that the light turned green, effectively snapping me out of my stupor. Holy hell! Ash was no joke! I smirked proudly when I heard her add "fucking leeches" for good measure. To be honest, I loved when she was feisty, and apparently my inner wolf did as well as I felt him hum in satisfaction at our mate's actions.

"When are they coming?" she asked gruffly, as she slouched in the seat, a pout on her beautiful face. She looked very much like a rebellious teenager.

"The pixie thinks around Halloween."

"That's only a few days away."

I nodded, my lips pursed together.

"Should I attempt to take off from work? I highly doubt my boss will approve."

"Call out sick?" I offered.

"I never call out sick. Huh…I just might do that."

"And while you're off, you could talk to Sue. I'm sure they need someone like you over at the clinic."

"I'll do that," she said, sighing. "You know how long they're gonna be here?"

I paused in thought, trying to remember if I was given a timeframe. "No, they're trying to figure it out and they'll let me know once they do."

I heard Ash sigh and grumble out, "I thought she was psychic."

"From what I gather, it's selective."

"Selectively psychic? How does that even work?!"

"Only when it wants to, honey. Hence the term 'selectively psychic.'"

"…Smartass."

"I'm just sayin.'"

Ash giggled, bringing a smile to my face. I enjoyed that sound more than she knew. That fact that she was still in good spirits with all this bullshit was a breath of relief, though I wouldn't have blamed her if she was freaking out right now.

"I guess I walked right into that one, huh?"

"You definitely did, sweetheart."

I let a ghost of a smile play across my lips before letting out a yawn. I know Ash finds shopping "invigorating" and "stress-relieving" –her words not mine –I found it to be exhausting, especially since she insisted on having me try on arms full of clothes. I've never spent so much time at a mall in my entire life! I glanced at my imprint to see her eyes wide and bright, staring out in front of her. She didn't even look tired. Good, b'cuz I plan to make good use of all her energy when we get-

"Jake, look out!"

My eyes snapped back to the road and my foot slammed on the break just in time to avoid hitting…

Sonuvabitch! It's a fucking leech! This one had short black hair cropped to just above its ears and wore a black cape. I growled deep in my chest as the thing's eyes watched me smugly before turning to my imprint and licking its lips and blowing a kiss in her direction.

My blood was boiling and I was trembling. How dare this disgusting thing even look at my girl. "Stay in the car," I said, flinging my door open and stepping out before slamming it, hearing the door creak and moan under the force. The thing eyed my rapidly blurring form before its eyes widened in fear. I allowed a smirk to play across my lips. Yeah, that's right, mother fucker, you should fear me. I took a deep breath before phasing, my clothes ripping as my beast broke free. The thing hissed at me before taking off running. I turned to my girl to see her watching me closely. I growled, pacing back and forth, feeling restless. That thing was here for my imprint, I know it was. I felt my anger boiling as my teeth gnashed in annoyance.

"Go."

I glanced at my girl in surprise before shaking my head. No, there was no way I was leaving her unprotected. Ash frowned at me before climbing over to the driver's seat.

"Baby, you need to go after that thing. I'll be fine getting home."

I shook my head once again, my eyes trying to convey that I couldn't leave her alone. If I left and that thing somehow circled back around and found her, I'd never forgive myself.

My eyes snapped from her beautiful face to the side as I heard a twig snap. The wind blew and I was able to detect the sickly sweet smell that was distinctly leech. I turned towards the stench, growling in warning and suddenly very thankful I didn't leave Ash. I chanced a glance over to her and saw her looking in the woods as well. I don't know if she heard anything or just trying to see what I was seeing. My head snapped back to the trees as I heard two sets of footprints approaching now. I heard Ash gasp as the two assholes stepped into view, hissing at me the entire way, both wearing black, like the leech we killed a couple weeks ago. One was female with straight blonde hair that fell passed her shoulders; the other was male with jet black hair styled into a faux hawk. I got low, prepared to take them both on.

Ash's heartbeat picked up considerably and I could scent the fear coming off her in waves. I felt complete anger overtake me as I heard Ash's breath pick up.

"Please, be careful," she whispered like a prayer.

Without warning the two leeches lounged at me. I evaded the attack by jumping back. I lounged for the one on the right since he was closest, my mouth snapping at the thing's arm, but it moved quickly. I went to follow him, but was blindsided and knocked several feet away. I felt my shoulder pop as I fought against the whine that threatened to spill from my mouth at the pain. I shook my head to clear it and vaguely registered Ashley screaming. I heard one of them laugh mockingly.

"Relax, we'll be with you soon enough."

I got up, now fueled by panic. Those things were gonna pay. The black haired leech blocked my vision, but the scream of my imprint had me moving. The leech in front of me bared it's claws and swiped at me. I dodged, jumping and spinning in midair, and lounged for his arm once again, satisfied as I latched on. The thing hissed as I used my jaws to rip his arm, the sound making a horrible sound, but I didn't care. I would rip these things apart piece by piece…and let my imprint set them on fire just for shits and giggles.

Ash screamed again, making me forget about the leech before me. My eyes widened as I saw the blonde leech making it's way to her. I ran towards them at full speed, but was stopped as I felt myself slammed into a tree. My breath left me and I shook my head to clear the dizziness. Fuck, my ribs had to be bruised or broken or something. I glanced up, my vision hazy, and came face to face with the leech in the cape from earlier.

I stood slowly. I needed to make a mad dash…to Ashley. She needed to be safe…no matter what. I pushed past the pain, and went to attack, my body aching with every movement. Before I could connect with anything, there was a blur that knocked him away from me. I stopped, my vision swimming momentarily before focusing again.

Before me stood Edward Cullen.

We locked eyes for a moment before I glanced past him to check on Ash. My eyes widened as I saw the pixie leech in my car. She took off with Ash screaming that she should be helping me instead of her.

For once in my life, I was reluctantly grateful for the Cullens.

"That was a big mistake," said the leech in the cape. "You know it's against our laws to consort with them."

I grunted, fighting the pain in my already healing body. Before us stood the…two…assholes? What happened to the blonde?

"Yes, I am aware. I'm also aware it's against our laws to hunt conspicuously. After all, that's what you were doing, is it not?" The Cullen leech said in his usual condescending tone. "Or were you up to something else?"

The caped man sneered at Bella's leech. "None of you business, Cullen," it spat.

Silence.

Alright, I've had enough of this. I lounged at the caped leech fiercely, aiming directly for its head. Luckily, I hit my target as it was distracted. The other leech let out a horrible scream before I heard that godawful sound of its head being ripped from its body. I huffed, glancing at Bella's leech. The annoying man glanced at me in question.

Where's Ashley?

The man blinked can cocked an eyebrow at me. "I can't read your thoughts, remember?"

Oh yeah.

I huffed before slowly phasing back to human. The man eyed me in slight panic. "Jacob, you're hurt."

"I'll be fine," I said, waving him off. "Where's Ashley?"

"Alice took her back to our home," he said.

"You took her to a place full of leeches?!"

"We're not too far," he said, shrugging. "I suggest you come as well so Carlisle can patch you up."

"I'm fine," I said as my left arm hung awkwardly from my body. The leech cocked an eyebrow at me as if to say "oh really?" I glanced away before glancing down at my chest, noticing bruises along my rib area.

"Okay," he said, shrugging. "Follow me, I'll take you to your imprint," he said, grinning smugly. Asshole. What was that look for?

I thought nothing more of it as I walked a few paces behind him, letting the leech lead me to my girl. I gritted my teeth, ignoring the pain as I followed the bastard to his home. Ashley had better not be freaking out when I get there, or I'd beat the shit outta him.

"I'm glad we're alone, Jacob. There's something I feel I need to tell you," he said, slowing up a bit.

"What is it?"

The leech sighed out an unnecessary breath. "It's about Sam."

My eyes widened slightly as I stared ahead of me. What happened now? "What about 'im?"

The leech paused for a moment causing me to glance at him briefly before glancing back in front of me. "His head is a bit...messy."

I snorted. Tell me somethin' I don't know. "Huh, you don't say."

"I figured you were aware, but do you know the extent?"

"No. Should I be worried?" Seriously, Sam was the least of my worries.

"Honestly, yes."

…Come again?

"And why exactly should I be worried about him?"

"I read his thoughts, Jacob. They're not entirely…pleasant…about you," he said as I huffed in response. "He feels threatened by you and is taking precautionary measures to ensure you do not usurp his position." My eyes shot into my hairline as I glanced at the leech who was walking along side of me. Was he serious? "He doesn't trust you and those who are loyal to you."

I felt like the wind was knocked from my lungs.

Sam…didn't trust me? After all we've been through, he doesn't trust me?!

What. The. Fuck.

Have I…have I done anything to make myself untrustworthy?! I've never betrayed him or hurt him or his imprint or anything! The only thing I've done was speak up about my imprint. He didn't trust me because I spoke up?!

"Why doesn't he trust me?" I growled out the question, feeling my temper rise to the surface. I needed to know what I was dealing with.

"He feels you're going to forcefully take the position from him considering your recent behavior." I growled in annoyance. "I would be careful around him if I were you, Jacob. I fear that continued strife between the two of you could weaken your pack, which we can't afford to happen," he said before adding, "May I make a suggestion?"

I glanced at him. "Go ahead. Doesn't mean I'll listen."

"I believe you should make your intentions clear, once again. However, if he fails to see reason, it may not be a bad idea to take up the mantle." I cocked an eyebrow at him in response. "Sam is letting his personal feelings dictate his actions."

I said nothing as we continued walking, my head spinning at the information. I needed to think this through thoroughly. I couldn't believe Sam didn't trust me…that was just… no, no matter our disagreements, I still trusted Sam…and he still trusted me…

…Right?

If what the leech says is true, and I did take up the position, would I be better than Sam? After all, my decisions have been based on my own personal feelings, mixed with those of my imprint.

I breathed out harshly through my nostrils. This was some Grade-A bullshit.

"Considering I can no longer read your thoughts, would you like to share?"

I scoffed. Share what? Share how you've just thoroughly fucked my mind right now?

"I'll take that as a 'no.'"

Soon, we were in front of a ridiculously huge mansion with windows at almost every turn. Jeez, there was no type of privacy at all! I glanced towards the garage and saw my car parked outside of it, next to the one I fixed up for Bells. I rolled my eyes. Of course she'd be here.

"You guys are engaged?" I heard Bella ask.

"No, it's a promise ring," I heard my imprints voice say proudly. "Jake got it for me."

"It's beautiful." Pause. "He's fine, Ashley."

Silence.

"You might want to get some clothes from your car before heading in."

"No shit, Sherlock."

The leech nodded to me before going inside as I walked to my car, grabbing one of the many bags from the mall and finding a new pair of jeans. I ripped the price tag off before hearing the beautiful, worried voice of my imprint.

"Where's Jake?"

"Outside dressing."

"He's okay?" I heard her say as I put on the jeans, doing my best to button them with one hand.

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

"What do you mean 'in a manner of speaking?'" Her voice came closer as I jogged up the stairs. "He's hurt? Oh god, he's hurt and you left him outside?!"

"Ashley, he's functional," came the voice of Bella's leech. "He's injured, but not horribly so."

I opened the door before anything else could be said, stumbling back a bit as the stench of leech hit me full force. "God, it reeks in here."

"Jake! You're okay!" A small blur attached itself to my side, hugging me tightly. I couldn't help but smile softly as I realized she moved faster than she did when she found out Jimmy Choo was having a sale.

"I'm fine, baby," I said soothingly.

"Glad to see you're okay, Jake," Bella said. I nodded, giving her a small smile. I glanced around, noticing that the blonde and the big oaf were missing, along with Carlisle's mate.

Carlisle glanced at me with a small smile. "They're out hunting. Wildlife, of course."

I nodded at him before glancing at my imprint. "Come on, Ash, let's go."

"Shouldn't you get that arm looked at?"

I glared at Bella's leech –the bastard was grinning smugly at me –as I felt Ash back away from me, examining my arm and gasping. "Baby, you need to get that looked at!"

"I'm fine," I said stubbornly making Ash glare at me.

"You are not fine, Jacob," she said, frowning before gasping once again. "Baby, you're covered in bruises! What if there's broken bone?"

"Nothing's broken!"

"How do you know?" She exclaimed, her eyes filled with worry. "Are you a doctor?!"

"I –no, but-" I sputtered. Ash turned away from me, glancing at Carlisle. "Doctor Cullen," I rolled my eyes as she emphasized the word doctor, "would you mind taking a look at Jake?"

I made a face at her. "Ashley…"

"Jacob, please, do it for me," she said, look at me pleadingly with those beautiful brown eyes. Goddamnit, not again with that look. "It's bad enough you're putting your life on the line for me! Please, just…just let him look at you to be sure!"

"She's right, Jake," I turned to see Bella standing from the couch she was sitting on and walking closer. "Carlisle won't mind."

"Last thing you need is to not be at one-hundred percent," came the voice of Bella's leech, before whispering lowly to me, "It'll just worry your imprint more." I shot him a sideway glance. Manipulative asshole. That's why he eyed me smugly earlier. He knew I couldn't deny my girl.

I glanced at Ash to see her beautiful brown eyes pleading with me, before she glanced at my arm, her eyes tearing up as she did so. I sighed. "Fine," I grumbled, glancing at Dr. Leech who was smiling at us. "Let's get this over with."

The doctor nodded. "Follow me, Jacob. You may come as well, Ashley."

Of course my imprint followed, as did the Bella, her leech, the pixie and southern comfort. "Thank you, Carlisle," Ash said, grabbing my right hand with her left hand. I glanced at her and made a face, making her stick her tongue out at me.

"It's no problem at all, Ashley. It's the least I could do," he said, leading us to, what looked to be, a study. Doctor leech motioned for me to sit on a gurney that he so conveniently had lying about.

"Are those True Religion jeans?!"

I glanced at the pixie leech as I sat down and realized her question was directed at me. I gave her a one-arm shrug with my good arm, causing her to scoff at me. Ash scooted on the gurney next to me, still holding my hand tightly.

"Yeah, they are. There was a sale today. Jake and I racked up!" Ash said, smiling at the pixie. The woman glanced at her in awe.

"Carlisle told me you liked shopping, but he never mentioned you had good taste!"

"You went shopping?" Bella asked, surprised.

"Didn't have much of a choice, Bells," I said tiredly, watching as my imprint and the pixie excitedly traded shopping experiences and favorite brands. "I doubt I'd ever do it again, either."

"Jimmy Choo had a sale, too!"

"Jimmy Choo?! Oh my god, Bella, we have to go!"

"Look what you started, Ashley," Bella grumbled as the doctor poked around my sides. It honestly didn't hurt, I just felt a little discomfort.

"Ribs feel fine," he murmured. "They were most likely just bruised. Did it hurt when I touched you?"

I shook my head, and breathed out a sigh, focusing on my imprint. I wasn't entirely thrilled about being a patient of the leech, but since Ash wanted me to get checked out, I'd grin and bear it.

"Jake told me you didn't care much for shopping," Ash said.

"That's the understatement of the year," Bells quipped.

"Bella, you have absolutely no idea what you're missing. It's such a stress reliever."

"Thank you! I've been trying to tell her that since we've met!"

Bella rolled her eyes. "It's not my thing."

Ash shrugged. "I can't imagine not being able to shop. It practically embedded in my DNA!"

The pixie grinned and jumped up and down, clapping as she did so. "We have to have a shopping date!"

I growled and snapped my teeth at the leech when he pressed a little too hard into my arm. I glanced around the room and saw everyone looking at me warily. "Sorry," I breathed out, "second nature and all that."

"You're arm's dislocated," came the doctor's voice. "We'll need to fix that. Ashley, would you mind moving away from Jacob?"

Ash glanced in confusion at the doctor before glancing at me. I gave her a nod and she let go of my hand and hopped off the gurney. I knew why he needed her to move. If I reacted like that when my already healing ribs were prodded, who knows how I'd react when he relocated my arm.

"Edward, would you mind?"

The leech was already making his way to me before the words left the doctor's mouth.

"I'm afraid that won't work on him, Jasper," Bella's bloodsucker called out. Huh? What won't work on me?

"What were you trying to do?" Ash asked sternly, that protective glint in her beautiful brown eyes. I couldn't stop the small smile that made its way to my face even if I tried.

"Jasper has the ability to manipulate emotions," came Bella's calming voice, "he was just trying to keep Jake calm."

Ash nodded in understanding before looking apologetically at Southern Comfort. "Sorry. I'm just-"

"No need to explain," came the southern drawl. "I understand."

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes to try and keep myself centered. "Let's get this over with."

I fought the urge to not growl as a pair of too cold hands grasped my arm while another pair held me in place. I took deep breaths and focused on the scent of my girl and doing my best to not focus on leech stink. I saw Ash in my mind's eye, her eyes-

MUTHERFUCKER!

"MUTHERFUCKER!"

"Jake!"

"Don't go near him!"

Sonuvabitch! That shit hurt worse than fucking hell! I felt myself shaking and realized I had somehow made it off the gurney and was now on the floor on my hands and knees.

"Jacob," I glanced up into the worry gold eyes of the doctor. "Please relax."

"Next time give me a warning!" I yelled out through gritted teeth. Fuck, that shit hurt!

"Is he gonna be okay?" I glanced over and saw Ash eyeing me in worry. "Shouldn't you have numbed him first?"

"His body would've burned it off quickly, leading to the same result."

I felt Ash's presence before me before feeling her cool hand on my non-injured shoulder. I glanced up into her worried eyes as I breathed deeply. "I'm fine."

Ash nodded, still eyeing me in worry. "Should we ice it when we get home?"

I shook my head as doctor leech answered. "That won't be necessary, Ashley. In fact, by the time you get home, Jacob should be fully healed."

I stood up from the floor, grimacing a bit at the dull ache now in my arm. "It's already healing," I said, flexing my arm, extending it back and forth. Ash eyed my in worry as I bent down and kissed her forehead. "The pain caught me off guard, is all," I said before glaring at the doctor leech who held his hands up in a placating gesture.

"My apologies, Jacob. I assumed if we did it without warning, it would be better for you."

"Yeah well, it wasn't."

Ash grabbed my hand and I felt her kiss my bicep before speaking. "Thanks for your help, Carlisle. You, too, Edward."

The doctor nodded and Bella's leech gave her a crooked smile. "I'm glad we were able to help." Ash glanced at me, her eyes watching me expectantly.

"What?" I asked in confusion.

She glanced between me, the doctor, and Bells' bottom feeder before her gaze locked with mine once again. I blinked in confusion making her roll her eyes.

"Aren't you gonna thank them?" She whispered, though I know every supernatural ear heard it.

I opened my mouth to say 'no,' but her glare cut off anything I was about to say. It was amusing when it was directed at others, now that it was being directed at me, I didn't find it so funny. I frowned at her, as a silent conversation took place between us.

'Do I have to?"

'Yes.'

'But-'

'I swear to God, Jacob Black-'

I huffed before grumbling out, "Thanks." Ash smiled proudly at me as she lifting our joined hands and cradled them against her chest. "We should get going," I said to my girl who nodded.

"I guess we'll be having another meeting?"

I tensed at the prospect of facing Sam. I definitely needed to talk to him to see where his head was, even if the leech told me. I just…it was hard for me to wrap my head around the information. I glanced at the would-be pot-stirrer who watched me intently and I bit back a gasp at what I saw.

Was that…respect?

He…respected me?

Huh, I never would've been able to tell since he's always a dick.

I nodded once in his direction. The vampire gave me a small nod in return. "Be careful, Jacob," he whispered so only those with supernatural hearing could hear. I'm sure he didn't want to worry Ash or Bells.

"I will," I whispered back before glancing at my imprint. "Let's go, honey."

The leeches and Bella walked us out, Alice begging my imprint to go shopping with her. Ash glanced at me, waiting to see what I would say. I shrugged, saying "we'll see." The pixie frowned at me before turning her pleading eyes on my imprint.

"I'll work on him," Ash whispered.

The pixie nodded, smiling at my girl hopefully. "Please do it ASAP! I need a shopping partner who gets me!"

"Of course! And we'll drag Bella along just for shits and giggles," Ash said, grinning mischievously at the chestnut haired woman.

"Hey! I heard that!"

Ash laughed. "It'll be our bonding experience, especially since we got off on the wrong foot."

"We can't bond in other ways? Like maybe pizza and cheesy movies?"

"We can do that too, after we go shopping." Bella pouted, making Ash laugh. "See you guys. Thanks again for everything!"

We got in the car and I pulled off, my mind going a million miles an hour. I was also vaguely aware of Bella's leech and Southern Comfort following us, probably to make sure we got back to la Push safely. I sighed, pulling out my phone and passing it to Ash. "Honey, can you call Sam for me?"

Ash took my phone, thumbing through my contacts. "I'll put him on speaker so you can keep driving." I wanted to tell her it wasn't necessary, but I know she wanted to know what was going on.

"Jacob."

"We were attacked," I said, getting straight to the point.

"What? Where are you now?"

"We're on our way back to La Push."

"What happened? Why didn't you howl for help?"

"Too far away. I doubt you would've heard me. Besides, it's kinda hard to do so when you're being double teamed" Pause. "We need to talk as well," I said seriously.

Silence.

"I'll call the pack. Meet at my house. We'll talk after."

Click.

"Wow, what was that about?" Ash asked out loud.

I said nothing as I continued to drive. I needed to get my thoughts together before walking into the meeting. Was I ready to take on being Alpha? If I had to be, yes. But what if the leech wasn't right about everything? What of Sam did trust me, but the leech was trying to play us against each other?

On the other hand, what would Bella's leech gain for having Sam and I at each other's throats? I mean, he technically had more to fear if I were Alpha, considering I had wanted to dissolve the treaty…or at least I did…now I wasn't so sure. I originally wanted to dissolve the treaty to keep Bells away, hoping she would run into my arms if she didn't have her bloodsucker. But now? Now…I'm happy, which I never thought I'd be again. Ash has been more than I could've ever hope for in a lover. So now, would I dissolve the treaty?

No…no, I wouldn't. My ancestors found a way to live peacefully with those bloodsuckers. Surely, I could as well, especially since we weren't competing for the same woman anymore. My girl was beyond anything I could've asked for, and I wouldn't trade her for anything.

"Jake, are you okay?" I glanced at my imprint to see her looking worriedly at me.

My eyes turned back towards the road as I shook my head. "Bella's leech told me some shit. It's got my mind all fucked up right now."

"Want to talk about it?"

"Not yet…I'm not even sure if what he said is true."

Ash's brow furrowed in thought. "Why would he lie?"

Good question. "I don't know."

"So, maybe he's not? I mean, I don't know what he said, but I see no reason for him to mislead you. It's not like you guys are exactly enemies, anymore."

"Whoa there, we're still enemies. Just not…actively trying to kill each other," I said seriously and I could practically feel Ash roll her eyes. "But you're right…he has no reason to lie."

"Whatever it is he told you, we'll work through it. You know I got your back, baby."

I allowed myself a small smile at that. I knew she did, and that's why I knew whatever decision I made would be okay. Ash had my back, and right now, that's all that mattered.

Hey guys!Next chapter is intense! I hope to have it out within the next week or two! Hope you enjoyed this one!