Author's Note--Sorry it's taken so long to post my next chapter, but I have my reasons. My first reason is writer's block. No matter how hard I tried for a good couple of weeks I could not make the beginning of this chapter readable. So after many attempts, I came up with this. My second reason is lack of focus and sleep. I live with my older sister and she does not respect the fact that I need sleep in order to function the next day, no matter if I have nothing to do the next day. She doesn't respect what goes into writing and when I'm exhausted I can barely form a coherent sentence.

It's funny, my sister is 26 years old and I'm almost 22, yet I'm more mature then her. I know drinking and partying and hooking up with guys isn't the most important thing in life. I believe conquering the impossible and striving to be someone better is the most important thing in life. Well, to me it is.

So, here is my latest installment.

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

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Black Dawn

Part Two

Chapter 1--Home Is Definitely Where The Heart Is

Jacob's POV

Time passes, seasons change and grow and soon it was August. In La Push I never really noticed any changes in the seasons and to be honest there really weren't any. It was green all year round with the occasional snowfall. Usually, the only change was in temperature. However in Hanover, New Hampshire the changes were very visible to the eye. It snowed constantly in the winter and once the spring arrived the snow melted to reveal brown grass and even browner fallen dead leaves. Then after a somewhat rainy April with the occasional snowfall, the grass turns green and buds blossom in the barren trees. And the temperature here was very different from La Push's. In the winter and early spring it got very cold. It wasn't rare for the temperature to be in the single digits, so it was a good thing I ran at a toasty one oh eight point nine degrees. However, in the summer it was a problem. It got a lot hotter here than in La Push. Well, it seemed hotter without the rain and constant cloud cover and cool coastal breezes. Instead, Hanover had very sunny summer days with the occasional cloudy days. I had to admit the dramatic changes were beautiful, but it didn't compare to home. Or should I say my former home because I also felt like home here?

I surprisingly got used to all of the money, new designer duds, shiny gadgets and fancy cars, however I still worked for the things I was given.

When I had free time I always helped Esme around the house and yard. I always cleaned my own bedroom and bathroom and even helped Nessie clean hers. I also did my own laundry--mainly so the vampire stink didn't permeate them too badly and because I knew if I left them the clothes would disappear and new ones would replace them. Either way, I always helped Esme. When spring and summer came, I always mowed the lawn and I even helped Esme landscape the yard and garden. Esme was very impressed with my green thumb. I also tuned the cars since Blondie and Emmett were still on their vacation.

Though Esme was a vampire with countless energy and no need to sleep, she seemed very grateful with my help even though she continuously told me she didn't need my help and that I should relax. However, I was happy to help her. She reminded me so much of my mom and she treated me exactly like a son. And because of this reminder I even began calling her mom, amazingly enough. I never thought I'd call another woman--much less a vampire--mom. It started off being a joke, but it stuck and weirdly enough it warmed my heart when I saw the spark of emotion in her eyes at the word. Esme always seemed to brighten when I called her mom.

Besides helping her around the house, she always cooked me breakfast and dinner and even packed me lunch everyday. She even constantly asked me if I'm hungry. It was nice having a mom again.

Of course, I did stay in touch with my other family. My dad was doing good and taken well care of by Rachel, though he always questioned her on how she's buying all the food for his house. I couldn't help stifling a laugh when I heard this. The only sour note in my relationship with my dad was when he overheard me calling Esme, mom. He wasn't very happy at that development and thought I was getting too close to the Cullen's, but I told him how it was and he kept his mouth shut after that. He knew with my relationship with Nessie that I was inevitably going to get close to them, and seeing as Nessie was immortal I was going to stay that way too. So no matter what the Cullen's were inevitably now my extended family. One day they'll be my only family, unless some of the wolves decide to keep phasing forever.

I also kept in touch with the wolves. Although it was harder to do then I thought. The only wolf left in my head was Leah, so I didn't have that automatic connection between my friends anymore. I occasionally talked to Seth, Sam, Quil, and Embry, but it always seemed like there was something they weren't telling me. So pretty much, I settled on talking to Leah. Every night I phased and we talked every night. Leah was still doing good in school and was reasonably more happy, however there was this underlying loneliness I felt from her, which I understood greatly. Leah hadn't made one friend where she was and it was reasonable. Humans shied away from our intense exterior and more importantly, it was hard to associate with humans after not truly being human yourself. Which was exactly my case. I didn't even have any human friends here in Hanover and to be honest I didn't even want any and that was exactly the problem with Leah. She thought she could move on with her life, to be more human, but she just wasn't human anymore and she finally understood that though she never confided that.

School continued on much the same. Most of the staring went away after a few weeks and hardly anyone bothered me. The guys in the school were just too intimidated by my size and much of the girls felt the same (Case in point). There were always a few exceptions though. A few girls got up the courage to talk to me, but once they realized I was brushing them off they left me alone. However, one girl was very persistent--the blonde, Ashlee. She was always a constant that couldn't take no for an answer. Actually, she seemed to get more and more clingy every time I brushed her off or rejected her. She was everywhere I went--turn a corner there she was, walk out of class and go to my locker there she was waiting for me--and I could never shake her off. And it went to extremes. She always wore revealing outfits--either tight mini skirts or low cut tops. Everything always so tight. By April she was purposefully bending over in my presence, revealing her breasts and butt. And by May, she was actually offering me sex!

Alice and Jasper found this intensely funny though they practically hated the girl. Alice found her completely tacky and disrespectful and Jasper just plain couldn't stand her. I couldn't stand her either. She was an ugly person with absolutely no integrity and a dull personality. To be honest, I never even saw her face. I couldn't even picture it, but that was a part of imprinting. Once you imprint, you don't really see the faces of the opposite sex, besides your imprintees.

What I can tell you is that everyone at home found this immensely funny. I never told anyone about Ashlee, but Jasper let it slip. It wouldn't have bothered me too much except he blurted it out in front of Nessie. Not only did he describe in full detail about Ashlee and her antics, but he also mentioned all the other girls. All I can say is that after that slip Nessie completely ignored me for a whole week, which immensely pissed me off. After begging Edward, he finally told me what was wrong with her. Apparently Nessie was jealous about all the other girls, which completely annoyed Edward, however it was an innocent jealousy. But after I found this out I made it up to her by taking her to Boston and she finally started talking to me again.

Other then Ashlee's obsession, school went fine and it was actually a laugh with Alice and Jasper with me. I even kept my grades up with Jasper's help. And can you even imagine that I actually formed a friendship with him? I mostly think it had to do with Emmett not being around, but a friendship we forged.

I even applied to some college's close by from Carlisle's request. And when Edward kept pestering me, I actually applied to Dartmouth.

You may wonder how I could have even applied to Dartmouth and I wouldn't have been able to except that I got my SAT scores. After taking the test late my junior year, I figured I would have gotten mediocre results, especially with my pack responsibilities and a semester hiatus, but instead I did so well that I had a pick of most colleges, or that's what Edward told me. Everyone I told was very surprised. Not many people knew I had a fairly decent memory and that I tested well. But, yeah, everyone was shocked. The Cullen's even held a celebratory dinner for me and Esme even baked me a cake. However, it was nothing compared to the celebration I received in late May when I got a rather thick envelope in the mail accepting me to attend Dartmouth. I couldn't shake the feeling that one of the Cullen's bribed the admissions office with a monumental donation, though. Either way, I decided that I'd go to Dartmouth in the fall. After all, if I took some of the same courses I'd be there with Bella, Edward, Alice, and Jasper.

In June, I graduated high school with Alice and Jasper. All of the Cullen's--besides Blondie and Emmett--were present for the ceremony, but I desperately wished my dad, sisters, Leah, and my brothers could have been there. However, I understood why they couldn't. I was supposed to be an orphan and my real family would have raised far too many questions. I was just relieved that the charade was pretty much over. I hated to think of my dad dead when I had far too much experience in that matter.

The ceremony itself was very boring and it seemed to last forever, but I finally got my diploma with a standing ovation courtesy of the Cullen's. Nessie was the loudest of the bunch (Bella was the second loudest). Nessie was whooping and clapping and jumping up and down with a proud look in her mature brown eyes. After the ceremony Esme and Carlisle brought me out to eat in celebration where they gave me their graduation gift. It was a check paying for my college tuition. I thought it was too much, but I kept my mouth shut and smiled. After all, it was too late to apply for loans. And during that whole night, Esme documented it on a camcorder so she could send it to Billy for him to experience.

When school was finished, I got a summer job at a automotive shop doing oil changes to get together some money. Though I've accepted that I was now a part of the Cullen family and all the shiny baubles that came with it, I still wanted to earn my own money now that I was out of high school and technically an adult. So after saving my money for awhile, I spoke to Alice about investing in the stock market. So now I was in the stock market and making a lot of money with Alice's help.

During the last seven months, a lot of things changed.

Bella's powers changed. After many months of working on it, she was finally able to lift her shield without touching Edward now so he could see into her head. And after more practice it wasn't so hard for her to keep it up. Carlisle wondered, once he found out about this aspect of her shield, if she had any other untapped powers and if maybe the rest of his gifted family also had any. Especially when it came to Renesmee. Unfortunately, Alice wasn't having much luck in the vision department. Her visions got a bit clearer but they were still murky. She was contemplating getting help from that vampire, Zafrina.

But what changed the most was Nessie. Just in the span of seven months she grew from a seven year old to a ten year old physically. She was growing so much that it was actually frightening even though we knew she'd live forever. If her growth didn't slow down she'd look fifteen within the next year and add another six months to that she could look seventeen or eighteen. However, judging from how old Nahuel looked, we didn't think she'd stop aging at seventeen. Carlisle estimated that within the span of five more years she could look twenty. Other than that she was growing even more beautiful with age and that scared me too. I knew I had no plans to change my relationship with Nessie for several years, but I also knew she'd eventually start going to school once her aging ceased and I knew there would be competition. However, I'd rather not think about that for a very long time. After all, she was just a sister, a best friend to me right now.

Besides Nessie's physical growth, her mental growth was just as astounding. She no longer was home schooled anymore because she surpassed the typical high school studies, so Edward and Bella allowed her to start studying whatever she wanted with the exception of language and music. Edward continued teaching his daughter everything he knew about music, but language she could learn easily herself. (She would actually teach me key phrases in each language she'd learn). So far Nessie has learned Latin, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Gaelic, and Japanese. I was even teaching her Quileute. Other than language and music, Nessie took an interest in philosophy, mythology, religion, and science. She'd read any type of book she had permission to read. At first, she had free reign until she got a hold of one of Blondie's romance novels. After that mess she needed permission. To be honest, just talking to Nessie half the time was an education in itself and I loved it. Don't get me wrong though, most of the time Nessie didn't display her intelligence to a high degree. She never used big words in public and hardly around us, but what she always had to say was fascinating and intelligent. I couldn't wait for the day when Nessie could fully show her intelligence.

Other than academics, Nessie showed interest in other things. She became extremely fascinated in learning to fight once she witnessed Jasper and Edward play fighting, but Edward put his foot down and told her that she was too young. After sulking for awhile, Nessie came up with a compromise that her parents could agree upon. Martial arts. Nessie also became interested in cooking and gardening and architecture. But what made me very happy was when she took an interest in cars.

However, when it came to Nessie nothing could surprise you. She was just plain old amazing!

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"Why don't you two go inside and wash up before I make dinner?" Esme called over to Nessie and I from across the lawn where she was pruning a rose bush.

"Are you sure?" I asked, wiping the little bit of sweat off my forehead with my dirty hands and examining my handiwork.

Nessie turned her head in my direction, raised an eyebrow and said, "Everything seems about done. We've been working all day." She sighed and also wiped her forehead.

It's true, we have been working all day. From mid-morning to early evening and we were both tired and hungry which was making both of us cranky, though I was better at hiding it. Not to mention, we both needed showers. Nessie actually appeared haggard--dirt smeared clothes and skin, curls piled haphazardly upon her head, sweat beading upon her forehead, and she actually appeared a bit flushed from the sun--so I couldn't imagine what I looked like. All I can say is that we both weren't used to the heat. Though the sun was low in the sky it was still in the mid-eighties and humid. It was actually weird to sweat now. With our high body temperatures nothing felt warm to Nessie and I, however when you work all day in the sun and it was in the nineties, we actually started to sweat a little. Nessie didn't like it one bit. It was a hot August and I couldn't wait to go back to La Push.

Dropping my trowel, I grinned at Nessie and said, "I think you're right," and winked at her.

Feeling an unnatural breeze, I sensed that Esme was behind me now also examining the work we've done.

Looking up at her from my crouch expectantly, she smiled, laying a hand on my shoulder, saying, "Everything looks great. Now go wash up." She bent down and kissed my head and then Nessie's.

Nessie jumped to her feet with newfound energy.

I grinned, saying, "Sure, sure," as I stood up, brushing my hands off on my jeans.

"Dinner should be on the table shortly," Esme reminded us.

Taking my hand in hers, Nessie replied, "Okay, grandma."

Looking over my shoulder, I said, "See you inside, mom."

Esme's eyes sparkled at the word, mom.

Walking inside, hand in hand with Nessie, we made our way upstairs to our rooms. Separating, I walked into my bedroom and shut the doors. Going to my closet, I got a fresh pair of clothes and went into the bathroom to take a shower.

Towel drying my hair as I left the bathroom when I was clean, I found Nessie perched on my bed, freshly showered and waiting for me.

Studying each other for a solid minute, we both grinned and simultaneously said, "Alice is going to kill us!" and then laughed together.

It was true, though, we were both guaranteed death glares from Alice for our choice of attire. All I was wearing were cut off sweats and Nessie was dressed casually in PJ's and her wet hair was piled on top of her head. Of course, Alice wouldn't mind our attire if we were going to bed, but it was incidentally only seven at night.

Throwing my towel on my bed, I crossed to Nessie, rubbed my knuckles roughly against the top of her head and then flipped her over my shoulder, ignoring her protests and giggles.

Making my way down to the kitchen, I caught the scent of steak cooking and it made my mouth water.

In the living room, I spotted Alice who was rearranging the red roses in the crystal vases. She was picking out the wilted flowers and replacing them with the roses Esme had brought in the house. When she heard my approach and Nessie's giggles she glance up, but didn't say a word about our clothing, instead her lips thinned and her eyes darkened.

I smirked as I passed her to get to the kitchen. As I entered the kitchen, I found Esme and Bella making dinner while Edward set the table. There was no sign of Jasper so I figured he was in his study reading and Carlisle was working the night shift at the Hitchcock Medical Center located at Dartmouth college.

"Jacob!" Nessie squealed, punching me in the back and kicking her legs. "Let me down!"

Her stern words put a smile on my face. "Not until you say the magic word," I taunted.

"Puh-leaze…" Nessie amended with a slight sigh.

Chuckling, I teased with a mock stern voice, "That wasn't the magic word, Ness."

She groaned and then yelled, "Jacob Black! Set me down this instant!"

At that point I saw Edward roll his eyes. Clearing his throat, he said, "Put my daughter down right now, Jake, or you'll be eating your dinner on the floor like a real dog!"

"Touchy," I replied, but set Nessie down in her chair anyway. However, before I could straighten up, she hit me over the head and sat back with a self-satisfied grin on her face.

"Ow," I muttered, rubbing my head, frowning.

Edward laughed at this little exchange, but choked off when he saw Bella's disapproving face.

"Renesmee," Bella sighed, shaking her head while she smashed something in a bowl, "Don't hit Jake, he was just teasing you."

Nessie's smile fell and an ashamed look took its place. "Sorry momma."

Though Nessie didn't see it, I saw Bella smile slightly at her apology. Bella could never stay mad or annoyed at Nessie. Nessie could get away with murder in her parents eyes. Hopefully, she'll never murder anyone though.

"I swear to God," Bella began to Esme, "That there are two children in the house rather than one."

Esme laughed while flipping over a steak. "Honestly, there is more then one child in this house. No matter how old every is in this house, no one can resist causing problems."

"I've noticed," Bella laughed shaking her head, obviously thinking about all the fights and teasing she's witnessed over the years.

I took this opportunity to cough and interrupt their discussion on immaturity. Turning to Esme and Bella, I asked, "So what's for dinner anyway? I smell the steak, but what else?"

"We're making steak, baked potatoes with all the fixings, rolls, corn on the cob, and for dessert strawberry shortcake," Bella answered with a smile. One thing that was certain about Bella was that she definitely knew how to cook.

I groaned and patted my stomach. "God, it's a wonder that I haven't gotten fat!"

Edward snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Grandma Esme, can you make sure my steak is really rare?" Nessie asked with an anxious look on her face that made me chuckle. Nessie only ate red meat when it was extremely rare.

"Sure thing, sweetie," Esme replied, turning off the burner and placing the steaks on a plate and bringing it to the table.

I also liked my steak really rare.

When everything was on the table and everyone was seated--Bella and Edward always sat with us when we ate even though they didn't eat--I loaded my plate up with everything while Nessie only took a small piece of steak and a roll (she hated veggies) and she had just went hunting the night before so her appetite was small.

After taking seconds, I looked up and asked, "So when are we leaving tomorrow?"

"Eleven in the morning we will be boarding our flight, so we will be leaving here at nine," Edward answered with a nod.

"Is everyone packed yet?" Bella asked, purposely gazing at me and Nessie.

We both shook our heads. We hadn't had time today to pack yet.

"Well, you two better do that when you're done eating, "Esme replied in a stern voice.

Of course, at that time Alice danced her way into the kitchen at the mention of clothes. "Don't worry Esme, I'll help them pack. I know exactly what they'll need."

Nessie and I both groaned and I saw Bella shudder. Obviously Alice has already gotten to her.

"Not that I'm complaining, but why are we staying in Forks for a whole month?" I asked. "Charlie and Sue's wedding isn't until the end of the month and it's only the second of August."

Alice laughed her wind chime laugh and ruffled my hair. "Silly boy, we're leaving so early because I'm helping Charlie and Sue with the planning." Excitement sparkled in her eyes.

"Please, for the love of God," Bella pleaded, "Don't make a big production out of it. You know how Charlie is."

"Charlie is exactly like you," Alice countered, smugly. "But you don't have to worry. I planned your wedding and it turned out fabulous and you have to admit you loved it!"

Bella groaned and rolled her eyes (a habit she picked up from Edward) and replied, "Sure, sure," in a patronizing way (which was a habit she picked up from me).

I laughed at Bella. She was always a weird one.

When dinner was over, Alice helped me pack for our trip to Forks. Two suit cases and a duffle bag and two hours later, I was finally packed. Alice made me pack about every style of clothing that was in my closet, including the suits that were hidden in the back. Multiple times we almost got into a fight when I fought her over certain choices of clothing, but after about thirty minutes I realized that there was no use in fighting, so I let Alice pack whatever she wanted. And during the whole two hours I had to listen to Alice complaining about my overlong hair. So far I've avoided a haircut from her and I had to admit my hair was getting way too long for phasing, but it was just too much fun watching Alice grimace and cringe when she saw my hair. However, a bad feeling took over me and I knew I'd be parting with my hair in the near future.

After Alice packed for me, she went to check on Nessie's progress. The house was silent for a few minutes, until Alice's voice rang out.

"How could you have not packed one dress? Haven't I taught you nothing?"

At that point I snuck out of the house, using my balcony and phased. Running into the forest, I felt Leah's mind join with mine.

Hey, fearless leader, what's up? She asked. Through her eyes I saw a sparkling city and the golden gate bridge from her location. However, before I could answer, she saw the night in my mind and laughed. Wow, the short one can nag, can't she?

You have no idea, I mentally sighed. But she's not that bad. When appearance isn't on her mind she's pretty cool. Too hyper, yes, but cool nonetheless.

God, you're whipped! She laughed, shaking her head.

I growled.

Cool it, mighty leader, I was just joking.

I rolled my eyes and continued to run. So when are you heading back to Forks? I asked.

Leah snorted and began to run. Not sure, yet. I can't say that I'm totally thrilled about this marriage. A werewolves mother and a vampires father getting married? It's just plain weird.

You don't have to tell me that. How do you think I feel when I think about how I imprinted on a half vampire half human? Don't get me wrong, I love Nessie, but it's a little weird when you think about it. Wolves and vampires aren't supposed to merge together, but here we are. I sighed.

Definitely, weird, she concurred.

Running in silence for awhile, I finally noticed that Leah was heading North out of San Francisco.

Wait! Are you headed back now? I asked in surprise, skidding to a halt, nails digging into the earth.

Leah stopped in her tracks and circled a couple of times before sitting back on her haunches. Maybe I am and maybe I'm not. I haven't decided yet.

Well, decide fast, because you're in the wedding and we're getting to Forks tomorrow afternoon and I'm sure Alice wants to get her hands on you fast.

Oh, God, don't tempt me, Leah taunted, rolling her eyes. Don't make me sick!

I sighed. Either way, do it to make Sue happy.

Sure, sure. Whatever. She amended and I smirked while I changed course to go back home.

Leah was silent now as she considered what I said and I knew she was breaking down and planning on running again to make it to Forks by tomorrow afternoon. She didn't want to disappoint her mother.

When I got to the edge of the forest, I said, Goodnight Leah.

Before I got a chance to phase, I got a very pleasant sounding Leah back, saying, 'Night Jake.

Phasing back into my human form, I was a bit shocked at Leah's pleasant goodbye. It was in no way condescending or sarcastic or anything, it was just plain nice. And most surprising is that she called me Jake, instead of Jacob or fearless leader. Maybe the cockles of her heart were really unfreezing?

Jumping up to my balcony, I walked through the doors to find Nessie already curled up in a ball on my bed, sleeping--ever since we moved here, she's always slept in my bed--and all I could do was smile and I laid down next to her and she cuddled closer to me. A smile still played on my lips when I finally fell asleep.

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Okay, this is the end of Chapter 1 for Part Two of Black Dawn. Sorry for the long ass wait. I hope you liked it. It was a little bit of a pointless chapter, a set up for the next chapter. But I needed it to establish what everyone was up to and what was about to happen and such.

I'd also like to let you know that my posts will continue to be slow. I'm starting to baby-sit my aunt's kids next week at her house and her computer's crap so I have no idea how often I will be able to post. I'm hoping I'll be able to post at least once a week. However, since I will be babysitting, I'm sure I'll be extremely bored, so when I post I might have more then one chapter already written in my notebook. So hopefully, everything will equal out! LOL.

Please read and review. I love getting reviews and I'd like to thank the people who have left me your thoughts on Black Dawn.