Disclaimer: I double and triple checked; sadly I still do not own Twilight! ;) Again SM owns all! No Copy Right Infringement Intended.

A/N This will be the first of 2 chapters posted. You get this one today! The next tomorrow! PS sorry for any mistakes!

Chapter 3

JPOV

No matter how angry you get,
you always end up forgiving
the people you love.

I left Bella's house dazed and confused; trying to walk as calmly away as possible. I got to the woods and took off, phasing on the fly and shredding my last good pair of shoes.

SHIT I thought angrily, my paws pounding the forest floor.

Jake? Leah's mental voice joined mine.

My mind was going everywhere at once and I couldn't censor my thoughts. I was a father. Bella was my imprint. She was the mother of my child. It was also very possible that I'd lost my only chance with her because of Sam. If Sam had never ordered me to break her heart, if I could have convinced him she was good with weird... I would have looked in her eyes and I would have imprinted then. I could have been there for my daughter's birth. This entire thing could have been avoided!

I let out a long mournful howl, taking out my aggression on an old spruce tree.

I'm so sorry Jake. I didn't know. FUCK. I was so mean to her. The baby is yours? She... Oh, Jake she's beautiful.

Leah was never one to be super level headed but her voice in my head was almost soothing. Her thoughts however turned to Sam and Emily and the heartbreak she had gone through. For the first time I put myself in her shoes, what if what she had assumed was true, that Bella was married with a child. She had been there through all of my attempts at trying to find Bella. She was the first to take my side when I became Alpha. She was one of my very best friends, we were bonded in pain.

I hadn't realized where I was going until the familiar yellow two story house came into view. Emily was standing on the porch. When she saw me she immediately turned and went back into the house. Happy for the privacy I phased back.

"I could use some pants." I called out loudly.

Sam came out of the house carrying a pair of cut of shorts and I donned them quickly, "You and I need to talk." I growled at him.

He cocked his eyebrow but nodded, "I guess we do."

I followed him into the house and the smell of banana nut muffins permeated the air. I sniffed appreciatively and before I could say a word Emily greeted me with a basket of them.

"We weren't expecting you." she smiled, "Sit down, help yourself."

I took one and bit into it, closing my eyes and savoring the sweet taste of banana. It was delicious as usual. Even with Leah's pain was fresh on my mind, I couldn't fault Emily. Though Leah would never admit it, Emily brought out Sam's softer side.

"Mmm, thanks Em." I ginned wolfishly at her, "Do you mind..." I trailed off gesturing wildly with my hands, causing bits of muffin to fly through the air.

"You're borrowing my husband?" she guessed with a laugh, "I'd like him back in one piece." she teased.

I watched her leave the room and Sam took a seat across from me. His face was impassive but I could see the curiosity behind his eyes.

"Bella Swan is back in town." I told him conversationally.

Shock flickered across his face and he frowned, "I still don't think..."

"I imprinted on her." I told him roughly unable to keep the anger and accusation out of my tone.

"What?" he asked blinking bewilderedly.

"That day you forced me to say those things to her I couldn't look her in the eye, I didn't want to see what my words did to her. It killed me to do it… My hands rubbed my face warily, "She has a nearly 3 year old daughter... my daughter."

I looked up and the look of anguish on Sam's face made me feel slightly less vindictive... only slightly.

"I had no idea." he whispered.

"She came to the Res that day to tell me she was pregnant. She had just found out she was pregnant... And I sent her away."

I wanted to hate Sam, I wanted to sink my teeth into him and rip him limb from limb. I wanted to physically hurt him, in a way that he would feel the pain I had felt for the last 3 years. As the new Alpha, I knew he just had the tribe's best interests at heart. Besides how could I justify hurting my pack brother?

And since I was a wolf and I was with someone who had seen me at my worst already I broke down and sobbed.

"I missed so much! I missed her birth. I missed all that time with my imprint. If it had happened to me first, Sam... Had I ordered you to send Emily away? If you missed out on Eli's first few years of life, and you didn't even know... How would you feel?" I fired the questions at him wanting him to imagine the predicament this put me in. Needed him to understand the anguish.

I hated sounding like a woman on her period, but damn, I'd loved Bella for as long as I could remember and the fact that I missed out on 3 years of her life because of an Alpha order...

Sam looked crushed, "I don't know how I would have reacted." He told me honestly, "But I know it would hurt like hell."

I didn't hear Emily enter the room, but I felt her hand softly squeeze my shoulder. Her presence in the room helped to ground me."Oh, Jake!" She exclaimed sadly, "If she truly is your imprint she will forgive you, it will just take time. She will come around. How can she not? You're perfect for her in every way possible... You also have the added bonus to having strong friendship bond with her..."

I looked up to her and she was blurry through my tears. "She had been so broken Em, I put her back together just to tear her apart..."

She wiped my eyes lovingly, almost like a mother soothing an injured child, "She'll forgive you." She assured me, and I felt hope blossom in my chest.

She turned to her husband with her hands on her hips, "I told you that you should have waited." her voice had turned acidic, "You knew they were in love, but you never gave him the chance to see if he would imprint on her. No one made you leave Leah immediately and it might have been better that way... She might not hate me as much."

Emily sounded as angry as she did sad, I for one did not want to be in Sam's shoes. It seemed Emily would be able to punish him in a way I could not, perhaps it would even sink in…

"I should have listened to you, baby." Sam replied with his head down, "I was just trying to protect her in a way I should have protected you."

Emily's hand reached up to the ruined half of her face and let out a loud sigh, "It's not your fault Sam."

Sam's shoulders shook as he cried. Even years later it was hard for him to come to terms that had Emily been any closer he would have killed her, completely on accident... In some ways I could understand Sam's order. I would never have wanted to hurt Bella, not when I was so new and it was so hard to keep control. I was a real hot head back then, a stupid kid.

I watched Emily go to Sam, wrapping him in her loving embrace and had to smile. I knew Bella was stubborn and I knew she might hate Sam right now. But once she met Emily and understood everything he had been through I was hoping she would at least try to give him a chance.

We had been through so much together in 3 years. We had taken on the leech with the dreads. We even caught a redhead and a companion she had with her. We were a well-oiled machine, it took all of us working as one.

I stood up as quietly as I could and left them. It was an intimate moment and though it was likely I would relive it in the Pack mind, seeing it up close and personal, not something I wanted.

I took the time to walk home. Just walk. I stopped at First Beach, our spot. I sat on the driftwood and let the events of the day wash over me. I had started the day thinking Bella was married and that I had lost her completely... To finding out not only was she single but her child, was mine as well. That she was my imprint... That while it might take a long time I would get my second chance. Emily's words replayed over and over in my head and I let the hope inside me grow.

I got home and noticed Dad was still up, Thank GOD.

I walked in and plopped onto the couch and turned my attention to him, "Can we talk."

To his credit he turned the TV off without comment and turned to me, questions looming in his wise eyes.

"Are we going to really talk?" He asked playfully, "Or are you going to rush out of here without letting your old man get a word in edge wise."

I felt sheepish of my behavior earlier in the day, but now wasn't the time to dwell on it.

"She isn't married." I told him breaking the ice. "The baby, well toddler really is almost 3."

I watched my father doing the math and his eyes widened, if the situation hadn't been so serious I might have laughed.

"It's yours." It wasn't a question.

"She is mine." I nodded gravely.

"Oh, son... I'm so sorry."

"It's my fault. That day..." I paused not needing to tell him which day; neither of us would forget it. When I phased in the house on accident, the reason we needed to remodel. "She was here to tell me..."

"I don't know what to say." he told me honestly reaching up to rub his face.

"I don't know how to feel." I paused, "I looked at her today too Dad, she's my imprint."

My father reached out to me a gesture of comfort and I took it. "I wish to god mom was alive. If she was here she would know just what to say..."

"I wish for that every day." Dad replied mournfully.

I laughed suddenly rolling up my borrowed pant leg; sure enough the mark was still there faded but there. "She bit me." I laughed harder, the audacity of such a small little squirt.

"Bella bit you?" My dad asked aghast.

"No, Lizzie... my daughter." I explained, still chuckling.

Billy examined my leg and let out a howl of laughter, "She's going to be a spitfire." He shook his head, "Biting a werewolf."

It felt so good to laugh, to let the tensions of the day just fall away. Dad I and I chatted for a few minutes longer. He then suggested I head to bed to let my mind have a break from the revelations of the day. He always could see the things I tried to hide.

That night however, I could barely sleep. I tossed and turned in my bed wondering what tomorrow would bring. Would it be okay? Would Lizzie accept me as her father? What was in store for the future?

The morning went by in a blur and when Bella pulled up my heart stopped beating in my chest. My palms were sweaty and my breathing erratic. I was nervous. Hell I was more nervous in this moment than when I realized Bella and I would be alone at the movies, so long ago.

I greeted her at the door and I was not prepared, "Hi Lizzie." I smiled my voice coming out thicker than I wanted.

"Hi Dadee." she grinned.

My heart soared as I looked at the tiny human I helped to create. I reached out to her gingerly taking her into my arms. I greedily drank in her sweet angelic face. Her hands roamed my face tracing my nose and she pressed her hand against my face and smiled.

"Same."

I could see it in her eyes. She was comparing the color of our skin. I couldn't hold back the raw emotion clawing its way out of me. I let the tears building behind my eyes fall.

"Yes" I told her softly, "Same."

She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. It was wet and slobbery but I didn't mind at all. So I kissed her back, just as slobbery showering her with the affection I already had for her. I loved her instantly. She was Bella in miniature, sure I could see some of my features staring back at me, but she was all Bella.

I could hear Billy mumbling impatiently under his breath and walked into the house. I noticed Bella was slow to follow, but I decided to give her a few minutes of space.

"Big House!" Lizzie exclaimed holding her arms out wide.

"Very big." I teased tickling her under her chin.

Her sweet musical laugh filled my ears and I knew I would do anything in the world to hear that sound again. When I entered the living room Billy sat up straighter. He too was transfixed by Lizzie's beauty.

I was so lost in thought I didn't hear Bella enter the room, or call to our daughter. I felt the loss as soon as Bella plucked her from my grasp. I wanted to complain but I knew it wouldn't help anything so I bit my tongue. Allowing Bella to explain who my father was.

"Gwampa Biwwy UP!"

I chuckled and gently picked up and placed Lizzie in the arms of my father. I could see he loved her immediately, just as I had.

I watched Bella interact with Billy and it seemed tense, not quite as easy as before, but some of Billy's walls thawed when he heard our daughter's full name.

Elizabeth Sarah Black.

I thought again of my mother and I was filled with such great happiness and sadness I wasn't sure which emotion was winning.

"Hey Dad, do you mind watching her for a little while?" I asked hopefully, trying to convey with my eyes my needs.

"Of course not," He teased his eyes twinkling, "She'll be safe with me Bella."

Bella's smile was beautiful, "I know, Thank you, Billy."

I gently led her out of the house relishing in the time we would have alone, as soon as we were a few steps up the road she cocked her eyebrow at me. It was almost a challenge and I was quick to accept.

"Some of the guys started a contracting business." I explained, thinking about Sam's success in business "Billy told them they could test out their skills on his house." I chuckled purposefully not mentioning the need for the remodel.

"It looks incredible." She smiled sincerely.

"Yeah, Embry and I opened up a mechanic shop. We get pretty steady business."

I watched in fascination as she seemed to lose herself in memories. I could see the emotions in her eyes, the love, the longing, and once again hope blossomed in my chest.

"I happy for you." she mumbled blinking back tears, "You're really good."

I stopped walking and turned to face her, she copied me. I looked into her eyes and I felt like I slipped into a warm bath. I needed her. She was MINE. I lifted my hand with great care to caress her soft cheek. Her eyes closed for a moment in pleasure as she leaned into my touch.

I took a deep breath and waited for her eyes to open and meet mine. When they did I leaned closer to her with exaggerated slowness touched my lips to hers. I wanted to weep having her lips on mine once again. I kept it chaste and short. Then I grabbed her hand and began walking again.

"We're going to head over to Sam's place. It'll give you a chance to meet Emily." I didn't give her a chance to respond to the kiss. I wanted her to know we could still be just us. Imprinting made things easier sure, but we were still just Jake and Bells like always.

I watched her fingers gently touch her lips and tried to hold back the triumphant smile.

"I'm not sure I want to see Sam." She told me as we were nearly to his house, the ice in her tone caused me to pause.

I stopped again, "Trust me Bells. It'll make more sense for you to know his side of the story as well." Taking a deep breath I added, "Try not to stare at Emily."

I wanted to tell her what we were walking into, her questioning gaze nearly broke my resolve, but this was something she had to see to fully understand.

We entered the house and I could tell she was uncomfortable. Sam entered first holding a little boy not much younger than Lizzie.

"Hello Bella." He greeted neutrally, "This is my son Eli."

"Eli." she whispered, "Short for Elijah?"

""Lijah!" The little brat giggled.

"He's quite handsome." Bella grinned.

"I'm sorry you left Bella, I'm sorry things didn't go the way you wanted them to, but I was trying to protect you." He told her bluntly.

I could tell Bella wanted to argue, but she wouldn't in front of a child.

Sam you dog! You did that on purpose... Smart.

I chuckled to myself watching the exchange, "I'm sick of people trying to protect me." Bella told him petulantly.

"When I was new." he told her cryptically, "I phased to close to Emily, I was angry... I didn't want anyone put in that kind of position again."

As if on cue Emily entered the room.

Bella's eyes widened but she composed herself quickly.

"I'm Bella." She smiled offering her hand.

Emily ignored it and pulled her into a hug, "I see, so your Jake's girl." her tone was light and teasing.

Bella's laugh warmed me and she gestured to Sam, "Your son is beautiful."

"He is, isn't he?" Emily chuckled proudly, she turned her gaze on her husband and her tone changed to one of admonishment, "Let Eli go and play, Sam, you're big boy."

I laughed out loud and Bella's giggle made Emily and Sam both chuckle, "Go on and play then little one." Sam sighed placing his son on the ground.

Once we were alone Bella spoke.

"I wanted to hate you." She told Sam honestly, "But I see where you were coming from... We can't change the past and I don't want to hold any grudges, it's not healthy for me, and certainly not for Lizzie."

I was shocked at how reasonable she had become in three years. She was my Bella, but she was different, grown up.

"I can't ask you to forgive and forget." Sam spoke, "However given time perhaps we can try to be friends."

"I'd like that."

There was a howl in the distance and I looked at Sam, who nodded.

Before I could say more than "Bella" she placed her hand up stopping me.

"Go on Chief."

I smirked and Sam and I left the house. I wasn't worried about leaving Bella with Emily. She could and would answer any questions Bella had.

Sam and I entered the woods and both quickly stripped. I tied my pants to my back leg and phased.

"Leech Alert" Quil's mind was screaming.

"Where?" I growled feeling my paws hit the ground faster.

"Treaty Line" Embry cut in.

Not now! No fucking way are those leeches back, not NOW! Over my dead fucking body...

A/N Hope you guys enjoyed Jacob's perspective on things! :D I enjoyed writing him! I will periodically change POV's when I think it's needed. But most will stay from Bella's POV! :D 3 Merry Christmas Eve!