Chapter 3

(Jacob Pov)

I was traipsing through the forest, ground still wet with dew. The forest was silent as the late afternoon sun just began to shimmer gold through the trees. I could hear the others thoughts in my head as they phased. Today was my day off, so my team ran afternoon patrols. Usually on weekdays we run the morning and evening patrols, because we are working during the day, and afternoons during the weekends. Sam's group on the other hand usually covers afternoons during the week and evenings during the weekend. Since there has not been much vampire activity lately our schedules are becoming slightly more lacks. Anyways, my dad (Billy) and Charlie were already out fishing.

Honestly patrols were usually boring and they gave me time to think, but I usually tried to amuse myself with the thoughts and fantasies of the others. Today though, I was using this time to think and get opinions of the others.

Because, how in the world am I going to win over a person I know nothing about, and have no way of contacting? My head felt as if it were about to explode and I was so frustrated. I had been wandering about this for weeks.

"Don't worry Dude, Imprints always have a way of being draw towards their mates. It might just take some time. She'll find her way back around. Remember with relationships comes responsibility. A little advice for you, bro, you need to be saving up some more money now. Women are expensive!" Embry advised. Which was kinda weird Embry is not normally serious nor sincere.

"This is true. That is why Embry doesn't even have a girlfriend!" Quill teased.

"What? No I am called your wingman bro. I have fun without dealing with the drama. I can't afford one right now, much less dealing with all the drama. You know how much Sam spent on that ring he gave Emily! It was ridiculous!" Embry retorted. Now Embry is back to his old self.

"Wingman, Oh sure, and wingman always try to steal the girl? You were always trying to steal the girls Quill would be talking to, until he imprinted on Claire. Embry you have just been spending too much time with Paul!" Leah scolded

"No, Paul messes with them by acting all serious and gets them attached, Sleeps with them and then breaks their heart and leaves. I just flirt." Embry defended himself

"Oh so more like Seth," Quill poked fun. Embry mused at the cheap shot.

"You guys, being a wingman is not a bad thing I used to do it all the time. It is more fun most of the time then having to deal with a date. You can talk to all of the girls without worrying about getting into trouble. Just don't ever try to steal another's girl. Now don't get me wrong it is fun to flirt and I like undivided attention, but dating is a good way to get your heart broke if you start too soon." I laughed

"Yeah, we all remember what happened to Leah and Sam and you and Bella." Embry rolled his eyes.

"Don't bring me into this!" Leah growled.

Embry flinched then continued ranting, "Bella was just a major infatuation! A friend you love and care about, maybe even be attracted to, if you know what I mean. She led you on then she ditched you, for those bloodsucking parasites! It is good that you are friends now, but-." Embry continued ranting.

"She was confused." I defended interrupting him.

"Yeah, but do you know how miserable you were after that! Goodness! Don't be mopping around like that ever again! Please! Or I will put you out of your misery myself." Leah joked but in a direct serious tone.

"Well let's hope this one works out." I stated ducking under some trees.

"Yeah how is that going to work out? You only met her once! You have no clue how to talk to her." Quill asked.

"She will come around…. Man, can you feel the drama! It feels like we are back in high school again!" I laughed leaving them behind me.

"Hey guys!" Seth had phased and was bounding towards us, "Guess what!"

"What?" we all said in unison.

"We have been invited to go clubbing tomorrow!"

"Awesome! Who with? And where at?" I asked slowing down so they could catch up to me.

"In Port Angeles with Mike and Jessica and Sam and Emily. It is going to be so much fun!"

Meanwhile…

(Charlotte Pov)

It had been weeks since I had started my new shift working at the coffee shop and I was loving it. I love to cook and bake! Making all the different pastries and mixing the fancy coffee. Yes it was busy and the tips were not extraordinary and cleaning was never glamourous. The best part was the smell of fresh expresso and the fact Charlie would come in the mornings to pick up coffee or donuts on his way to work (after he found out I was working there) and we would talk. I really liked Charlie. He reminded me a lot of my dad. Just the way he would talk about things.

Since I had secured more hours I had also decided to stay at the hotel. This decision was made mostly because my room had a refrigerator and a microwave which was way better than just a cooler in the truck. The hotel also did not charge me like the laundry mat for use of their machines. It would be coming winter and the weather was going to become icy. I was not going to chance my truck's heater breaking down and freezing. And sleeping in my aunt and uncles old climate controlled storage unit by the college just did not have the same appeal anymore, or a bathroom. The good news is Mike has been very understanding and we have worked out a good deal. It was a lot cheaper than an apartment and if I needed to I could always pick up and check out of the hotel any time no questions asked. Mike is nice he checks up with me about once a week. We both talk about work and Mike and his girlfriend keep me up to date on the social scoop. Mike's girlfriend Jessica, really seems to like me. She is girly, definitely the jealous type and knows how to use people. They both seem to love each other. They make great company because they are always talking about something and never pry much into my life. Jessica lately has been trying to get me to go out shopping with her.

After getting off of my afternoon shift, I walked through the glass door of the hotel my body aching from standing. I was hurrying through the lobby and Mike waved, "Hi!" Then Jessica came around the corner, "Hey just the girl I was looking for! I need to know your schedule for all of next week."

"Okay? Why?" I pulled my back off my shoulder. Oh my feet ached from standing and running around all day.

"When was the last time you went out?" Jessica asked as she sat up on the counter.

"Went out as in how? As in on a date or just with friends?" I looked at her suspiciously.

"As in on a date." She laughed

This was definitely a set up question for something. "A few years." I answered honestly to avoid being asked detailed questions.

"What!? Girl, you are in your prime! What do you mean a few years?!" She almost fell off the desk.

"Yeah, well, I socialize at work and college….. I talk to Charlie, you and Mike," I shrugged and pick up my bag looking at the floor, "Look Jess I am not the social butterfly I once was. Okay?"

"Oh no girl! We need to get you out there! You are defiantly coming with us! Tomorrow we are going clubbing in town. You need a dress!"

"Jess, I don't know…" I shrugged. "I have work in the morning."

"Oh c'mon there are plenty of guys out there, we are bound to find someone that would want you!"

"That's what I am worried about," I mumbled then I thought a moment then felt a little insulted and stated, "If that was a compliment please word it better."

"Did someone break your heart or something, because when I mention relationships you act like a scared wounded puppy?"

"Oh please! I do not! I just focus on things other than relationships….I don't trust people like I use to. Okay?"

"You still didn't answer me…." She retorted

I glared at her and she asked another question, "Do you like older men?"

"It depends how much older. Why?" I looked at the floor then up at her.

"Because you tend hang out with guys that could be your father. Charlie is nice and all, but dating him is kinda creepy. Considering I went to high school with his daughter."

"What no! I am not seeing Charlie! He would never… He is my friend he comes and talks to me when I am at work in the mornings sometimes. We are friends! For goodness sake….I can't believe you!"

"Okay. Just checking." She put her hand up as if surrendering, "So what is your dating history?"

"Well, what's yours?" I gave a smart-al-lick remark, trying to distract her.

"C'mon I can't advertise you if I don't know anything about you. Right Mike?"

Mike had been checking the messages on his phone and looked up, "I am not getting involved in this."

"Hey, I will go with you all, but Jess, I can take care of myself." I picked up my bag and headed down the hall towards my room.

"Wait what about a dress?" She chases after me.

"Don't worry I have one." I swiped my key card.

"With what I've seen of your taste…. Absolutely not!" She grabbed at the door keep me from entering.

"Hey Jess, shut up! I have had a long day! I have a dress in storage I will pick it up after work tomorrow. You are lucky I am even going with you! Because I could be working an extra shift or doing chores. Keep acting like this and might change my mind." I scolded her moving her out of my way.

I shut the door behind me and dropping the bag. She had just pissed me off. I fixed some dinner in the microwave and sat and watched the news. I was thinking about going to the grocery store but that could wait a few more days. I finished folding a basket of clean laundry I had done last night. By this time I was worn out. So I washed up and laid down thinking about what accessories to put with my dress tomorrow. Laying there I also planned out my schedule for tomorrow. I had another shift in the morning. Work, then go to storage unit, then deal with Jessica and go clubbing. Oh this should be fun! I thought to myself sarcastically. This would be the first time around that many people in a long time.

Please let me know what you think! I wanted to establish a little background dialog with side characters before the next chapter. I think the interaction of the pack is pretty cool.