Jacob POV

Today was not Jacob's day.

Bella was a werecat, he was a wolf, and so were the guys from his tribe. The Cullens were vampires, but they didn't kill people, and Charlie, still being human, was being the most badass human Jacob had ever seen by pointing his shot gun straight at Sam in wolf form. Sam, having lost his ability to curse out either group, was silent in his mind, growling with his teeth bared, still crouching on the ground below Bella. She was still standing, proudly, fiercely, menacingly, over Sam, arms crossed, fangs bared in a smile.

Jacob was stuck between all these people; between those he knew as his people, those he knew as lifelong friends, and those who he never knew. And he didn't know what to do.

On the one hand, Bella and the Cullens had been kind and helpful in revealing everything that had been hidden to him by his own tribe, by his own father, even. They had, unlike what his father always preached, been welcoming and understanding, there for him when no one else had. They were contributing positively to those around them, as greatly shown by Carlisle's generosity and kindness as the local doctor, patching up even the most stubborn of wolves.

On the other hand, Bella had just shown that there was no one safe from her if she were to be extremely upset. She had broken Paul's spine, for christ's sake! She was so dangerous, no one was going to fuck with her. And, even though Paul was usually a dick, he hadn't deserved something so harsh. And, to top it off, Bella had direct control over Sam, who seemed to be the Alpha of the pack, reducing him to a mute.

Jacob couldn't see who was better to stick with. Bella and the Cullens, or Sam and his pack? But before he could really think about it, Quil turned his head to Bella and asked, So, wait, we can't touch anyone? What, if we do, are we going to feel bad or something?

"I suggest you find out, Quil."

"Find out what? This conversation has been half silent!" Emmett complained, getting close to Edward. "Eddie boy, can you translate?"

"Sure. Quil's asking what will happen if they try to touch someone."

Emmett got a sly look. "Oh! So, if I were to do this," Emmett patted Jacob on his shoulder, "to one of them, something would happen?"

"I would think so, Emmett."

"No."

Bella looked at Jasper. "What do you mean, no?"

"You said any living creature, Bella. We're not alive."

She face palmed. "Then how are you standing up, walking around, talking, consuming matter, and generally looking alive - voodoo magic?"

He shrugged. Emmett brushed past him and walked up to the still snarling mute. He reached out, and Sam began to recoil. But Emmett was faster, and pressed his palm onto Sam's nose. Immediately, the skin began to burn, and Sam cried out in pain, rubbing his nose with his paws, scrubbing the dirt with it, and trying desperately to relieve himself of pain. The other wolves whimpered in the shared pain, some scratching their noses, others snorting. When all was said and done, Sam had a slight burn on his nose, already beginning to heal.

It was dead quiet for the longest time. Jacob shifted on his paws, nervous and unsure. Finally, Paul spoke up with the most terrified look on his face Jacob had ever seen.

"So… we can't touch anything… or anyone… including the leeches… what about our families?! They did nothing wrong!"

"Then I suggest you apologize to us all and settle your differences. That is, after all, how my edict can be broken. Other than that, everyone who you know and love back in La Push will never be able to hold you, hug you, or even so much as touch you. This is my decision."

"Bella," the one called Carlisle spoke, "you are not the one in control of the pack. That belongs to Sam."

"With him in control he would march on your front door and kill you all. I will not allow that to happen. I want them to feel pain, Carlisle, the same pain I feel when I see those I care about being hurt. They will share my pain until there is no more animosity between any of us."

"But, Bella, I don't care for them, either." Jasper said. "Jacob, I understand. But the rest of them? Those mutts can go –"

He was grabbed and pinned down by the werecat, who snarled in fury. "Fine, then. I can see where this is going. YOU SHALL SUFFER THE SAME FATE AS SAM ULEY AND HIS PACK!"

"NO!" Alice screamed, rushing to Jasper's aid once Bella let go. But it was too late. As soon as she touched her mate, he yelled out, pulling away. "Fuck you, Bella!" she spat.

Bella snarled, looking menacingly in their direction. "Those who act like children will be dealt with accordingly. I don't tolerate closed-minded people. I was raised better than that."

Charlie lowered his gun finally, and nodded. "I'm with my daughter on this. If no one can behave civil toward one another, there needs to be someone keeping you all in check. If no one can touch each other, no one will get hurt."

"But, Charlie –"

"No, Carlisle. You may have time on your side, but I bet I am older than you from when you were turned. You have taken in these children as your own, but you don't have the strength to properly punish them. And since Billy isn't doing his job properly, either, someone has to step up. I, being the only human here who wants everyone to get along, and has neutrality on my property, will help Bella enforce her rules. You all will learn to get along, to understand each other, and to behave like adults. If you belong to the supernatural, and want nothing more than to protect humans, then I would think the same goal can be achieved. Now, I can see this not going any farther, so Sam, take your pack and go home. Billy has my number if you decide to work something out." With that, Charlie calmly walked back out of the clearing, and into his home.

Everyone was dumbstruck. Jacob was even more nervous. Um, B-Bella…?

Yes, Jake?

I… I don't want everyone to fight.

I don't either, man. But this shit's gotta stop. I didn't want to do this, but Sam seems too big for his britches. And, there's something else they won't tell you. Sam is really the Beta of the Pack. You, Jacob Black, are the direct descendent of Ephriam Black, last Alpha of the Quileute Pack. You are supposed to be the Alpha. But, that decision was taken from you. Billy was supposed to tell you once you turned, but now that this has occurred, Sam will tell Billy, and they will keep Sam as the Alpha. You would have to fight for your right to lead.

Jacob's jaw dropped for a second, before he looked down. Alpha? Wow. And they're just gonna take that from me? I mean, I don't know if I want to lead anybody, I've been a wolf for an hour! But…

I know. It's a hard decision, to lead. Look at me, I've been forced into this. But I can help you. Somehow, I've been able to control both the Cullens and Sam's pack. I think that means that Santo was right.

Santo?

Oh, he's the other werecat I had the pleasure of running into. He said that us werecats used to have a ruling clan, but a betrayal tore us apart. We used to keep vampires and humans under control, but not anymore. Maybe it extends to other supernatural creatures, like you guys. But I would never take away your freedom, Jake. You're a good guy, and I know you'll make the better decision. You're young, but you have heart, and that seems to be missing with Sam.

Jacob nodded. But, how did you know about the Alpha thing?

I can read Sam's thoughts. He may not be able to curse us out, but he sure is being a dumbass and revealing EVERYTHING I need to know. Bella smiled, and Jacob nodded, looking at Sam. If Jacob thought hard enough, he could actually see what Bella was talking about. But as soon as he made contact with Sam's mind, the black wolf pulled his thought away, and became silent. Still, it was enough to confirm Bella's musings. Wow, you were right, Bella.

I know. But, really, Jake, you need to make a decision – stay with them, or come live with me. I can show you what it's like to live on the wild side. And I can show you that these guys are really just a bunch of softies. She smiled a toothy smile.

Jacob nodded. If he was going anywhere, it was better with her than with Sam. At least he wouldn't have to hear the black wolf's angry, bitter thoughts. Then I guess I'm stuck with you. I just hope they don't try anything stupid. Jacob nodded his head to the pack, who was now looking at each other, growling and grumbling.

Bella nodded, and stood on her hind legs, shifting back into her human form. Of course, she was naked, and Jacob did the mature thing in looking away. Sorry, Edward.

"It's ok Jake. I understand you don't look at her that way. Don't worry about it." Edward replied to him quietly, so that no one else could hear. Louder, he said, "So, Esme, will you be ok with Jacob sharing space with us?"

"Of course. We'll see if we can't-"

"Wait, Esme. I think we can handle him staying here. He can enroll in the school with us, if you could pull some strings. It makes more sense for the two creatures outside of the stupid feud to be on the neutral territory – my house."

Nodding, Esme turned to Carlisle. Rose sighed in relief, while Jasper seethed, with Alice quietly trying her best to sooth him. Emmet whooped and hugged Jacob around the neck. Bella grabbed some clothes from who knows where, and quickly dressed herself. She marched into the house, and must have quickly told Charlie that Jacob was staying with them, because she came back out with Charlie following behind. "Well, Jake, if you're gonna be staying here with me and Bella, then you can't come in the house with those muddy paws. Turn back and get yourself some clothes. I got a pair of shorts you can wear until you get your things from your place."

Jacob turned his head. But how do I change back? I…. Bella!

She calmly came to Jacob and started to gently pet his head, hugging him around the neck, while Emmett moved down to calmly rub his shoulders. Jacob soon relaxed (even though he felt Emmet might have been getting a little too touchy-feely for his tastes) and one minute he was a horse-sized wolf, the next, a naked copper boy who felt incredibly insecure to his peers, mythical and non. Charlie tossed him some shorts, which Jacob quickly put on, and then commented on catching the next game, walking back inside the house. The Paul wolf muttered, grumbling. Sam grumbled back, but both became silent when Bella eyed them. "Run home, Sam. Take your pack with you. Let Billy know we're on our way." Sam turned, barked to the pack, and they all took off toward La Push.

Bella turned to Jacob. "Well, then, Jake, let's go and get your stuff. Cullens, go to the border closest to Jake's place, and we'll ferry the biggest items to you guys. His smaller, more personal items will come with me. Anything else he can't live without, you guys will grab, and we'll deal with storage. If I have to make a damn log cabin for his stuff, I will."

Esme smiled. "I'd love to design something more simple, if you're serious, Bella."

Bella raised an eyebrow. "Maybe, if Jake wants more room to live in. Jake?"

"Well, I dunno… I wouldn't want to be a bother, and I'm pretty sure I can crash on Bella's couch, if you and Charlie are alright with that?"

"Sure we are, but would you prefer your own place? It wouldn't be much of a bother, the girls and I could whip you up a little place all your own, if you wanted."

His own place? "That's a fine offer, but can I think about it while we get my things… wait… damn, Billy. He's not gonna be happy about this."

"Screw Billy, if he tries to stop you, I'll just push his chair over!" Bella smiled, talking in a half joking manner. Carlisle shook his head, but Bella rolled her eyes. She waved the Cullens over, and with a little encouragement, Jacob ran with them. The vampires sniffed out the border, and when they were as close as they could get, they stayed behind. Jacob then ran with Bella the rest of the way, his now abnormally strong legs carrying him alongside Bella, who, for her slightly smaller stature, was flying across the forest with relative ease.

Bella sniffed the air. "Do you smell that? The musky, wet fur?"

Jacob smelled the air, detecting the odor Bella was describing. "Yeah. Is that the pack?"

"Yep. That, and your father. Billy is NOT happy, at all. Be prepared." Bella slowed to a march, and Jacob followed, both of them emerging out of the thick foliage and onto a familiar sight: the little red cottage with the shack haphazardly attached onto it. And beside it, in the open field, stood the entire wolf pack, in human form, along with Billy, in his chair, arms crossed, looking pissed. The men behind him, all copper skinned, had expressions ranging from furious to just painfully upset.

"Jacob!" Billy yelled, "Why are you doing this? Betraying your people! Betraying me!"

"I'm not the one betraying you, or anyone! I see nothing wrong with the Cullens, they haven't killed anyone around us, and in fact Carlisle was the one to fix Paul's back!"

"After Bella broke it!" Paul roared.

"But Carlisle STILL fixed it, with help from Bella, who was only defending herself! They could have chosen to walk away, leave you paralyzed! But no, they didn't! You think that they're heartless, bloodthirsty animals! But I don't see that, and I'll prove you all wrong. So, I'm going to take my things. And if you try to stop me, I will fight you."

"Don't forget about me now," Bella adds, stepping up next to Jacob. "I'll defend him too. You take away his freedom, and I have a bone to pick with you."

Billy pursed his lips and huffed. "Bella, you have no right to interfere with the business of the Quileutes and the Cold Ones. This treaty has been alive since before you were born. You are not like us, an abomination!"

"An abomination?! And I suppose THOSE BOYS over there are normal? That transforming into a massive dog is an everyday thing? Oh, Jacob could just stroll down the street in broad daylight as a giant russet wolf, not get shot, not get captured and stuffed? Really Billy? You sound worse than a bad fanfiction antagonist!"

Billy didn't speak. Jacob, being mad, marched into the house and started to pack clothes and other important items into his various backpacks and duffel bag. The yelling match had resumed while Jacob packed up, and when he returned to Bella's side, he heard the end of what might have been a metaphorical "dick measuring contest" between Bella and the pack, specifically Paul, who was flexing his arms and chest.

"You see that, cat? Pure wolf muscle! No little pussy could have that au natural!"

Bella scoffed, pushing up what little sleeve she had, and flexed. The muscle bulged severely, rivaling Paul. "Oh yeah, pup? Then what's this?" Jacob balked – he didn't think Bella was even capable of such muscle mass, but here she was.

Paul snorted, angry. He stalked over to a nearby rock, which was as big as his head, and flung it across the small field with relative ease. He turned his head to Bella and smirked.

Still smiling, Bella casually walked over to a large dead spruce tree, still standing but with no leaves, still anchored into the ground firmly. Bella wrapped her arms around it, squatting so as to get a good angle, and heaved up. As if being plucked by a giant, the dead tree easily came up out of the ground, the roots groaning in effort as it struggled to stay in the earth. Bella huffed, and let it thud on the ground.

No one spoke. Paul, writhing in fury, crossed his arms and stood silent.

Bella nodded, brushing her hands off. "Come on, Jake, is there anything else you need? Maybe your bed, or a favorite chair?"

"Naw, Bells, I don't need any of it. Let's go."

"You leave this land, Jacob, and you'll be betraying us all!" Billy yelled, for one final attempt at getting his son back.

But Jacob wasn't swayed. He turned back, one final time, and yelled back, "No, Dad, you all have forgotten what its like to understand others! You act like everyone who is Quileute is family! You even lumped Bella and Charlie into it! But once they even so much as thought about the Cullens being friends, you turn your back on them! Why? Why is it that? Because you refuse to sit with them and listen, to look at their life and know them for who they are, not what they are. I am going to be that person, to see who the Cullens are, not for being vampires, but for being individuals. And if I'm never allowed here again, so be it!"

Jacob was now shaking violently, his bags now on the ground. Bella rubbed his shoulder to try to calm him down, but he shrugged her off. He swiftly tore off the borrowed shorts, and ran off into the forest, erupting into his wolf. He charged forward, past the Cullens, some of which called after him, and on. He stopped when the icy smell of vampire hit his nose like a brick wall. He had come upon a massive house – more like a mansion – in the middle of the green wood. This modern masterpiece, which burned of vampire smell, shocked Jacob into halting his crazed thoughts. He didn't even hear the fast falling footsteps of the Cullens and Bella, who caught up to him with all his things, including the shorts.

Bella patted Jacob's furry shoulder, and said calmly, "Welcome home, Jake."