Chapter 3: I'd Rather Die Trying Than To Never Know

Jacob

"Ah." A surprised sound came from the doorway just as Bella kissed me. We leapt apart like guilty children and Bella blushed as she avoided Charlie's gaze. In fact, poor Charlie looked like he might be on his way to a heart attack himself, or possibly an aneurysm.

"Dad." Bella squeaked. "Dinner will be right up."

"Bella, honey," Charlie slowly formed his words. "Are you and Jake…?"

She looked horrified, and I couldn't help but start laughing. "Oh Charlie, we only just hooked up today. Besides, I'm only sixteen."

"Yes, well. You never can be too careful about these things." He squinted at me.

"C'mon, you've known me since I was a kid."

"You still are a kid." He replied, but at least the red left his face. Bella, still redder than a tomato, was busy getting plates. "Tell me the truth, Jake."

"You mean, are Bells and I doing, I dunno what to call it, adult things? No way." I smirked. I had certainly thought about it, but damn if I was going to tell Charlie or Bella that. "But are we dating? I don't know. Ask her." I hooked a thumb towards Bella.

Charlie and I both looked at her, waiting. She fumbled a plate, miraculously caught it, and placed it carefully on the counter. Looking Charlie squarely in the eye she licked her lips and opened her mouth to say something. I admit I was curious what she was planning to say to Charlie.

"Yeah, Jake and I are dating." She finally spit out. "You were right, dad. I just needed to move on with my life."

I was relieved that Charlie looked relieved. At least I didn't have to worry about finding a bullet coming my way. Not that Charlie would shoot me, anyway. But the, what do you call it; figure of speech thing was there.

Bella gave me a small smile, but even though I was happy she had said what I wanted to hear, that smile did not reach her eyes and don't think I didn't notice. I smiled back, but I made it a point to ask her about it when Charlie wasn't around.

Charlie, lost in his own world, pretty much ignored us while we ate and then wandered off, I guess to see what game was on tonight. Bells started cleaning up and I figured I'd pitch in and started filling the sink with soapy water.

"So, Bella," I said slowly. "Are you happy about us?"

"What do you mean?" She asked. "Of course I am."

"Cause I noticed even though you smiled earlier, you hesitated. And like, I got the feeling you were still unhappy with this decision."

"No, it's not that at all." She shook her head and dried the glass I handed her. "I'm still working my way around…well, you know. Of course I'm happy to be with you."

"But you wish you'd never kissed me." I stated, despite her earlier explanation.

"Jake, please. This is not easy for me. You've been patient all this time, can't you just be patient now?"

I gave her a look. "Hey, at least I've been here for you, Bells. The least you could do is, I don't know, try to be happy."

"I'm sorry, Jake. Really, I am happy that we took this route. Promise. It's been a long day, I'm tired. Forgive me?"

"Always." I sighed. That's the sad part, I think I always will forgive her because I love her.

"Good. So, earlier you said you weren't going home. I don't really think Charlie will approve of you crashing on the couch, though, not now he knows we're going out."

"I said I wasn't going home, I didn't say I was staying here human." I grinned. "I told you we were protectors. Right now, you are the one we're protecting."

"Oh, yeah." She said, biting her lip. I noticed she did that a lot lately.

"Bells, calm down. We're here, you know that. We won't let that leech get you, I promise."

"Or Charlie." She eyed me.

"Or Charlie." I promised. "After all, what good would it do if we rescued you and not him? Especially since you both live in the same house."

"True." She smiled at me, for real this time. "I'm glad I have you, Jake."

"'Course you are." I smirked. "That's cause I'm too loveable to hate."

She laughed and gave me a hug. "I still have a bit of over-the-break schoolwork I ought to do, and it's getting late. Maybe you should head out?"

"Sure, sure." I said, crushing her against me again. She nuzzled into me.

"You're so warm. I like it."

"That's me, your personal space heater." I laughed.

"Jake," Charlie called from the other room. "It's late. I'll bet Billy would like you home."

"Sure, Charlie. I'll go in a few minutes."

"Do you need a ride?"

"No, I'll be fine. Sam, uh, said he'd meet me downtown a bit."

"You sure?"

"Yes Charlie." I turned back to Bella. She was staring up at me, that same look from when she'd first kissed me on her face; the one I thought was hope.

She reached up a hand and tried to tug my face down, grimacing at my strength. "Jake."

I laughed. "Sorry hon." I leaned down and gave her a kiss. God, I loved doing that. No wonder people are always making out, it's great fun. "Behave, and don't worry. One of us will be patrolling at all times."

She saw me out and I turned to wave before running off into the woods at the back of the house. I tied my pants to my leg and phased, relishing in the feel of it. I love being a wolf. As soon as I was fully changed I felt that openness in my head and heard the welcome from the others who had already phased.

Took you long enough. Sam's mental voice threaded through my head.

Yeah, what were you two doing in there? Paul "said". Wait, you're dating her now?

Yep. I replied as I met up with them. Sitting back on my haunches I gave my doggiest grin, tongue hanging out. Ain't it great?

Only to you. Embry's reply came as he joined us.

Aw, don't be like that. At least she'll be spending more time at the rez.

Like she isn't there every day anyway? Jared shot back.

SETTLE. Sam's Alpha voice rocketed through out heads. Jake, congratulations. Please try to tone down the details in the future. Guys, let's get on with the night. Jake, take first close patrol, I'm sure that will make her happy to see you every so often. Someone will replace you in a few hours.

Got it! I replied.

I still can't believe she wants you. That girl has no sense. Paul "muttered". Of course, we all heard it and I turned and growled.

Bella has plenty of sense. Don't say anything bad about her.

What, like how finicky she is? Leech lover to wolf lover. Like I said, no sense.

That's it! I growled. Leaping at Paul he and I bit and scratched and tumbled. As usual, I won in the end.

If you are quite done? Sam said. He sounded sort of amused. C'mon, get to your posts.

Yes Sam. We all echoed as we took off in opposite directions.

Hey, if I don't defend Bella, who will? That's all I'm saying. She's so breakable, it's ridiculous. I did the usual run, a perimeter search for any leech intrusions around the house, several times. After a few times I ventured closer to the house, towards Bella's room. Her light was on and I could see her at the window. She waved as I ran by and then the next time I went by the light was off. I guess she'd gone to bed. Oh, what a thought, Bella in bed.

Shut up Jake! The chorus flooded my mind and I let out the wolf version of a laugh. Yeah, this could be fun.