Chapter XIII
Jacob

Carlisle's cool voice brought everyone's attention back. "I agree that this is an interesting development, but right now, I think we need to prepare. Bella, could you please contact Billy Black, and after you've apprised him of our situation, inform him we'll be meeting in the same clearing again. They are not only invited, but welcome to join us." I nodded and took the phone Edward handed to me. I stepped out on the front porch with Edward following behind me.

Jacob had disappeared after learning Edward and I were engaged. He'd finally returned, but things between us were far from resolved. I'd chosen Edward over him, and no amount of reasonable persuasion could make Jake understand why. He was rarely at home these days, so I was surprised when he answered the phone. "Hello." I felt my eyes widen.

"Jake?" I said softly, in surprise. Edward's arms curled around me, as he kissed the top of my head. There was a long pause, long enough to make me think we'd been disconnected. I said is name again. "Jacob? Are you-"

I was cut off by a deep exaggerated sigh. "I'm here." His tone was so unfriendly I cringed, Edward felt me tense. He ran his hand up and down my back gently, soothingly. I took a deep, steadying breath and plunged ahead. "Jake, I have some news to convey to the pack..." I hesitated before going on, "from Carlisle. He asked me to contact your Dad, I could talk to him if you'd rather not talk to me."

Jacob sighed again, more naturally this time. It was just his usual impatience, "No Bells. It's fine. I'm glad you're okay. When Seth told us what happened I was worried they'd made a bloodsucker out of you, but you still sound like Bells...for now anyway. I made Seth call Carlisle to keep up with what was happening with you. Anyway, I can handle whatever news you have, so tell me, what's up?"

I let Jacob know about Alice's vision and all that had happened during the meeting, except the part about me. I told him all about the visitors. Jake didn't seem pleased to hear it.

"Oh man, Sam is not going to be happy at all. I'm not happy! This is becoming too common. Well, tell Carlisle thank you. I can't speak for Sam or the others, but I'll be there. Jeez Bells, what is it about your bloodsucker's that's so inviting?" I was so offended I just stood there unable to respond, after a moment he went on, "I need to get moving, but first let me talk to Edward."

Still surprised by Jake's rudeness, I held the phone out to Edward. "He wants to talk to you." Edward's jaw tightened for a moment and he cocked one eyebrow. Then his shoulders dropped and exhaling loudly, he took the phone. "What is it Jacob?"

Edward frowned, his expression thunderous, "Don't push your luck, dog!" he said tersely.

Edward's expression had cleared, his eyes tightened and he looked concerned, "Yes, that's true. Actually, I'm not making Bella hide this time." Edward's jaw tightened again.

In clipped tones, Edward hissed into the phone, "Don't speak of things you can't comprehend, Jacob." he paused, taking a breath before continuing. "I haven't forgotten she's human, although you seem to have forgotten that fact yourself. Do you have any idea how hurt Bella was when she found out you'd been invited to the wedding, but then R.S.V.P.'d that you won't be coming?"

I was horrified, when I'd accidentally stumbled across the R.S.V.P. in the mail, Edward and I had argued. I had made it very clear that I didn't want to trouble Jake with making the choice, but I realized the real reason was I was afraid to recieve the negative response, which I had recieved, and deserved. I had been very direct with Edward that I wanted to keep the information that it had hurt me from Jacob, and had sworn Edward to secrecy, because he'd threatened to call Jacob that day. Now here he was telling Jacob, who would feel bad. "Edward!" I yelled and tried to pull the phone from his hand, Edward held my hand back and jerked the phone out of my reach.

"No Bella, he should know." he looked at me imploringly, I crossed my arms and steamed in silence, glaring at him. He put the phone back to his ear and continued talking to Jacob, "I don't care about anything more than Bella's happiness. Whatever resentment you feel towards me, you should be there, for Bella."

Edward's expression blanked. I dropped my hands and laid them on his arm in concern. Edward looked me straight in the eye as he continued, "I won't need your presence for that. And I'm sure I'll happily allow it, if that comes to pass. Now is there anything else you needed to talk to me about?"

"Great. Did you want to talk to Bella again?" Edward asked, his tone resigned.

Edward handed the phone back to me with a very smug expression on is face. I frowned at him and taking it, turned and walked away from him.

"Jake? I'm sorry. I told Edward specifically not to mention that to you." I felt terrible. I'd hurt Jacob so much, it wasn't fair for me to feel the regret I did that he wouldn't be there at the wedding. Seth alone had agreed to come and represent the pack.

I continued, "It's okay that you don't want to come, really, I understand."

"Nah, he's right Bells, although it makes me nauseous to admit it. I should be be there. I guess we'll have to knock a year off my age for that, won't we?" His voice sounded so wounded my heart ached.

"Or add one to the lifelong servitude?" I replied, trying for upbeat. It worked, Jacob chuckled, and I felt the old sunshine warm me.

"Bells, I love you. If anything happens, you run. Let us worry about watching your back. You just get yourself to safety. I have to go talk to Sam now. Bye Bells."

"Bye Jake." I said, feeling the loss as he hung up and the warmth disappeared again.