*BPOV*
The trees pass by in a blur as I fly through the forest. Jacob's scent has faded to almost nothing as I near the treaty line. Once I am in the safety of the boundaries I slow my pace to a walk. The sounds of the night creatures are all around me. I can hear the frantic heartbeats of a herd of deer just beyond the clearing. Though their scent raises my thirst I continue on, making my way toward Carlisle and Esme's old home. I had contacted them the moment I realized that I wanted to return to Forks. I asked their permission to take up residence there, only after extracting a promise from them to tell no one where I chose to reside. Of course they agreed. Though Edward and I were no longer together they assured me that I was still very much a part of their family and that their home would always be mine.
A sense of nostalgia washed over me as I entered the familiar surroundings. Everything was exactly as we had left it years ago. I ascended the stairs and made my way to the bedroom Edward and I had shared. I sigh deeply and sit on the edge of the huge canopy bed, my mind wandering back to the events from earlier.
I couldn't forget the look of utter shock and disbelief on Jacob's face as he stared at me. Those few tiny seconds as our eyes met had seemed to say it all. As soon as the realization of whom and what I was hit Jacob full force, he seemed to completely change before my very eyes. The reddish brown wolf I had come to love almost as much as the boy I once knew stood in his place. Instantly Jacob was on the defensive, no doubt due to the alpha blood flowing through his veins. I remained completely still showing no signs of a threat. What I had found odd was the appearance of Seth and the obvious order Jacob had given him.
If my heart could beat, I know it would have been pounding furiously in my chest at the sight of Jacob as he returned to the front porch. I was somewhat surprised that he actually invited me inside. Jacob seemed guarded and physically different, though I would have known him anywhere, despite the smell of wet dog. I chuckled as I recalled the way Rosalie had always wrinkled her nose in disgust. Now I knew why, though the smell wasn't as bad as she had made it seem; just a faint hint of the dog smell, mixed in with the sweet, salty smell that was Jacob.
The anger was apparent in the way he held himself as he leaned against the door frame. I had prepared myself for the onslaught of his emotions before coming. But I didn't realize how deeply he could still cut me with his words even after all these years apart. The word leech had always been his favorite to use in regards to Edward, but I had never dreamed in a million years that he would one day use it against me. I took all of this in stride, but the one remark that really hit home, was that I was just a "former shell" of the Bella he had known and loved. My appearance has changed a bit, and the fact that my heart no longer beats; but otherwise I am still the same. Why is it so difficult for Jacob to accept the new me? Could it be the irrefutable fact that I am now his fated enemy? I had promised Jacob to respect and honor the old treaty. But I felt that I had to see him again, though he obviously wanted nothing to do with me. Perhaps if he was given time he would change his mind…